Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

February, 2002

Acid Etch Wash Primer for Aluminum

Q. What is the formulation of an etching primer for an aluminum surface? I am after a green color etching primer for aluminum. Could you recommend any suppliers?

A. Several manufacturers sell acid etch "wash" primers for aluminum. If you search sites such as Yahoo and Google, you'll find the names of suppliers. Please note that the acid content used for priming steel surfaces is stronger than for priming aluminum surfaces. If you do purchase a wash primer intended for steel, then you should dilute is approximately 4x with isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Refer to the vendor's instructions before you follow my suggestion.