Repainting textured aluminium sides?

[steveclv]

So I am currently restoring a 1983 Rapido and the van was constructed from sheets of (very thin) textured aluminium which, as you can imagine, after 42 years are looking a bit shabby. I don't want to do any more damage to it so am thinking that I can hand paint it especially as with a matt finish and the texture it would hide roller marks etc.
But the question is what paint to use - as in the hot weather the aluminium will expand and contract quite a bit so it needs to be flexible.
Any suggestions please?
Thanks

 

[Ukdave2002]

Some years ago I restored an MGA, it has aluminium door, bonnet & boot skins. I used an etch primer on the bare aluminium, and then in my case a 2 pack paint that once cured is hard and can be brittle, stone chips can create "craters" . My car has been driven in freezing weather and really hot weather, without any ill effects to the paint, so if its ok for 2K then I would think every other paint will be even more forgiving. I'd chat to your local automotive paint supplier, they will advise on best paint / mix for roller brush use.

 

[toad a caravan]

Don't forget that aluminium expands and contracts significantly with heat,a dark or Matt surface wouldn't reflect the heat as much as a lighter/shiny surface.As UK Dave states it is important to use an etching primer on bare aluminium.Ensure windows are well masked as are any lights etc,try and find 3M(trade mark) masking tape.On such jobs care is of the essence for a high quality finish,,on a safety note read up on spraying with two pack...best of luck Gary

 

[steveclv]

No bare metal - it's overpainting the original paint so a good clean, sugar soap and a scotch pad.
I'm trying to find a good enamel paint here in France but drawing a blank, however I have just watched a video of a guy who repainted his aluminium sided motorhome using smooth hammerite and it looks really good. But of course I don't know how well it will hold it.
No compressor or booth so it will be roller and brush

 

[toad a caravan]

Have you tried a paint maker called"international" they used to make an enamel called "jap laque".I hand painted my Norton Frame with it years ago it takes several hours to cure thus any brush marks blend out,it was a deep black lustre once completely cured and required no other treatment no polish or waxing needed