Refinishing an Aluminum Sign

[rdm01]

Hello,
We are currently replacing graphics on an aluminum panel that fits into a large sign. The whole sign has 6 separate signage areas, 2 are large LED display. 2 need graphics replaced that sit above the LED. The old graphics were painted on. Several attempts to strip the top layer of paint yielded no results, so we have to sand down and repaint.

Panels are 102" x 22", and the whole face would need to be painted. Guessing best way is to go down to bare metal on whole sign, DTM primer (2 coats) and then DTM paint (2 coats). Is there a better way to do this? Is this something that needs to be sprayed, or can it be rolled down?

Thank you!

 

[Billct2]

First, is it possible to just flip the panels and use the back?
Second I try to avoid refinishing if possible, Often the cost of a new panel is the same as refinishing. So that is the first thing I would do a cost comparison on.
Then third: if I did decide reusing the old panels was best I would consider sanding them smooth and sheeting with vinyl.
Final option, prime & paint.

 

[rdm01]

Can't flip, there is mounting hardware around the perimeter, riveted on (see attached photo). New panel would have to be painted as well.

Sheeting with vinyl would have it looking different than the rest of the sign, so I think we may be stuck with that final option.

 

[TimToad]

Call your local sandblasting/powdercoating provider. There are hundreds of colors available, but if there isn't a match, see if they will at least bring the panels down to bare aluminum.

Even brand new panels are sandblasted to bare metal before being powdercoated.

You'd be surprised how inexpensive that type of work can be done for.

This is a sign we recently did which is roughly 48"x100" and it has the silver backing panface fronted with matte black 1/8" thick aluminum panels. There are two of the rock walls and each was double face. so it was a lot of aluminum to powdercoat and the whole job was around $1750.00 We felt like it was a good deal for such a durable finish that we didn't have to do anything to. Our aluminum supplier even delivered the panels to the powdercoater for us.

 

[FS-Keith]

dual action sand to bare metal and prime and paint, out of a gun if possible, forget these guys saying sandblasting