What paint do they use? UPDATE 3/20/14

Clay L wrote:
DuPont Imron polyurethane enamel used to be used a lot for severe duty applications but I don't know how suitable it is for DIY work.

DB uses it on his construction 10-wheelers. It holds up a lot longer than enamel.

westend wrote:

Clay L wrote:
DuPont Imron polyurethane enamel used to be used a lot for severe duty applications but I don't know how suitable it is for DIY work.

Imron is great paint for aircraft and marine projects. It's way overkill for aluminum siding. The three-part Imron primer will require good respiration equipment and plenty of ventilation. I speak from experience.

Not to mention it's $125. a quart.

I called Forest River and asked for repair, they gave me parts last time. I was able to find out they use Scikkens WA 9567 witch is a GM color Artic White. I went down to the parts store and had them mix me up a quart of Nason acrylic enamel and purchased some self etching primer. All this because the decal remover dissolved the paint.

I'm waay behind on paint science. Aluminum expands and contracts more than steel or fiberglass. Ask at an automotive paint supplier about prepping and paint.
The new high gloss paints used to be called 15 year paints. Urethanes or whatever, they shed the elements real well.
Some don't even recommend waxing, just polish, or did.
The water base stuff must work well but I don't like the dullness still coming through from the color coats.

westend wrote:
Prepainted aluminum sheet goods is usually a vinyl coating.

To paint the bare aluminum, it's necessary to use either a pre-paint etching wash or an etching primer. I use a phosphoric acid based cleaner and Sherwin-Williams DTM Industrial acrylic primer. It's listed to prime bare aluminum.

After priming, any paint will work. A good choice would be an epoxy or oil enamel for a DIY job.

I was in the paint industry or 20 years before I retired. While not familiar with the brand the procedure is correct. Just make sure whatever primer you use is suitable for the chosen topcoat. Sometimes the chemicals used to activate the epoxy will "eat" the primer.

Clay L wrote:
DuPont Imron polyurethane enamel used to be used a lot for severe duty applications but I don't know how suitable it is for DIY work.

Imron is great paint for aircraft and marine projects. It's way overkill for aluminum siding. The three-part Imron primer will require good respiration equipment and plenty of ventilation. I speak from experience.

DuPont Imron polyurethane enamel used to be used a lot for severe duty applications but I don't know how suitable it is for DIY work.

Prepainted aluminum sheet goods is usually a vinyl coating.

To paint the bare aluminum, it's necessary to use either a pre-paint etching wash or an etching primer. I use a phosphoric acid based cleaner and Sherwin-Williams DTM Industrial acrylic primer. It's listed to prime bare aluminum.

After priming, any paint will work. A good choice would be an epoxy or oil enamel for a DIY job.

ScottG wrote:
I had mine repainted and they only use a two part epoxy paint on fiberglass. The same thing they use on high end yachts.
I can tell you the stuff is very durable. It takes rock hits better than the gel coat did.

Mine is Aluminum.

I had mine repainted and they only use a two part epoxy paint on fiberglass. The same thing they use on high end yachts.
I can tell you the stuff is very durable. It takes rock hits better than the gel coat did.