previous
  • Complete Kitchen and Bath Guide
    Complete Kitchen and Bath Guide
  • Buyer's Guide to Decking
    Buyer's Guide to Decking
  • Guide to Paperless Drywall
    Guide to Paperless Drywall
  • Outdoor Kitchen Design Inspiration
    Outdoor Kitchen Design Inspiration
  • 12 Remodeling Secrets Revealed
    12 Remodeling Secrets Revealed
  • Painting Ideas, Tips, and Techniques for a Professional Finish
    Painting Ideas, Tips, and Techniques for a Professional Finish
  • Meet the Fine Homebuilding Project House!
    Meet the Fine Homebuilding Project House!
  • 13 Door Design and Installation Tips
    13 Door Design and Installation Tips
  • The Inspector Game: Decking Dos and Don'ts
    The Inspector Game: Decking Dos and Don'ts
  • Fine Homebuilding: The Digital Issues
    Fine Homebuilding: The Digital Issues
  • 15 Coffered Ceiling Design Ideas and Tips
    15 Coffered Ceiling Design Ideas and Tips
  • 7 Solutions for Kitchen Layout and Design
    7 Solutions for Kitchen Layout and Design
  • Deck Design & Construction Showcase
    Deck Design & Construction Showcase
  • 9 Design Ideas & Tips for Concrete Countertops
    9 Design Ideas & Tips for Concrete Countertops
  • Roofing articles, videos, tools, and materials
    Roofing articles, videos, tools, and materials
  • 2012 HOUSES Awards
    2012 HOUSES Awards
  • Energy-Smart Details
    Energy-Smart Details
  • 7 Small Bathroom Floorplan Layouts
    7 Small Bathroom Floorplan Layouts
  • 10 Basement-Remodeling Tips and Techniques
    10 Basement-Remodeling Tips and Techniques
  • How it Works
    How it Works
next
PRINT

Painting metal-clad

Q: I bought new aluminum clad windows on the bargain rack, but the color is hideous. Can I paint them?


Jenny Benner, Roxbury, CT


A: Associate editor Daniel S. Morrison replies: Yes, after scuffing the surface with fine sandpaper, use a metal-bonding primer, then a high-quality metal enamel, available at your local paint store. Another option is to take the windows to an auto-body shop. Auto paint is formulated specifically to bond to metal and is durable.


From Fine Homebuilding 176, pp. 106 January 1, 2006

Related Topics:
Painting and Finishing | Exterior Painting and Finishing | Windows | Aluminum | Paint | Primers | Metals | Paints and Finishes | Other Materials
Related Articles
Q & A: Painting aluminum siding

by Brian J. Doherty

Lead-Paint Safety, At Home And On The Job

Whether you're remodeling an older home or just living in one, the paint must be treated with respect, especially if young children are involvedby Tom O'Brien

Q & A: Painting plastic

by Brian J. Doherty

Q & A: Painting aluminum storm windows

by Victor DeMasi

There's No Escaping the ScrapingOnline Membership Required

Washing, scraping, sanding, patching, and priming are dirty, difficult jobs that can make exterior paint last twice as longby Hugh Schreiber

Related Books & Videos

For Pros By Pros: Windows and DoorsFor Pros By Pros: Windows and DoorsLearn from the builders who have installed (and fixed botched installations) of doors and windows.

Build Like a Pro: Painting and FinishingBuild Like a Pro: Painting and FinishingA practical painting and finishing guide for the homeowner

Window Treatments Idea BookWindow Treatments Idea BookUpdate the look of your home’s windows with hundreds of fresh ideas.

Build Like a Pro: Windows and DoorsBuild Like a Pro: Windows and DoorsHands-on advice for the homeowner

All Homebuilding Books & Videos