Most durable coating for aluminum

[DennisVR97]

I am planning the fabrication of aluminum parts for the undercarriage. Sheet aluminum probably an eighth inch thick. I'd like to get it black and protect it from oxidation. Two options are powdercoating or anodizing. Both would probably do the job. Everyone is hot on powder coating and it is great, but it chips with stones or accidental tool contact.

Any opinions out there for the most durable finish? Looks are a consideration but either finish is acceptable if done correctly.

Thanks in advance

[JasonY]

Contact Swaintech with your requirements and I'd be confident they will have a product to meet your needs.

Jason

[westcott]

Originally Posted by DennisVR97

I am planning the fabrication of aluminum parts for the undercarriage. Sheet aluminum probably an eighth inch thick. I'd like to get it black and protect it from oxidation. Two options are powdercoating or anodizing. Both would probably do the job. Everyone is hot on powder coating and it is great, but it chips with stones or accidental tool contact.

Any opinions out there for the most durable finish? Looks are a consideration but either finish is acceptable if done correctly.

Thanks in advance

If you have the money, anodize it. Powder coating is very durable but it will crack if the sheet metal will tend to bend.

A clear coat works well and is inexpensive. Here again, depends on whether or not it will see some bending stresses. But after a good polish of the aluminium, it can look amazing.

[Grandpa Poser]

This may be of interest, especially item 10.
Aluminium's corrosion resistance - Aluminium Design
and this from the same site about surface treatments.
Aluminium Surface Treatment - Aluminium Design

[mdcrose]

Hard coat anodize the parts. On average the coating will buildup .002" and penetrate the same amount into the base aluminum.

[2Slow2Tedius]

Tech Line Coatings | Automotive ( Hi-Performance ) Coatings

EDIT: Video for lazy people

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=QtBvShzOBfo

[jonc]

youcant stop aluminum from oxidizing. all aluminum has a natural layer of oxidization on the top layer of the lattice. you can chemically strip it but it will come back. you want protection from corrosion. you can do that a few ways. google will help.

[Erron Spalsbury]

Dennis, considering the need to do on the spot touch ups, I'd really consider the truck bed liner in a can stuff. It's pretty tough stuff, cheap, and easy to re-coat.

[Disrupter]

Errons right, My plan was to put rhino lining or anyother type of truck bedding liner on it when I make my front and rear diffusers.

[kawik101]

I've seen this in use a lot with the aluminum boats I work on, even saltwater boats look showroom for years if applied when new- Sharkhide