"Bill Turner" wrote in message
...
Does anyone have any suggestions for painting aluminum in a way that
will be tougher and longer-lasting than you get with the usual spray
can?

I have a small compressed air paint sprayer, and I'm wondering if
automotive paint might be good, or perhaps something else? Mainly
interested in black or shades of gray. What is the best primer for
aluminum?

--
Bill, W6WRT

I've gotten the best results by first washing with a strong detergent,
drying, and then using fine steel wool (0000 grade), wiping with a tack
cloth to pick up any steel wool and other dust, and then using a zinc
chromate primer.