Anyone successfully painted a new aluminium coolant header tank?

[GreenGoddess]

I am going to replace the rusty old coolant header tank on my car with a new aluminium one from SJ Sportscars. I am interested in painting it black so that it looks like the original one. Have any of you done this? If so, what type of paint did you use? Obviously it would need to withstand the heat of the coolant and be compatible with an aluminium surface. 

[Rambo]

What a pity. Aluminium looks lovely in the naked flesh 😕

You could try black Hammerite, satin or matt finish (not hammered)

[skiing]

am guessing some etch primer as a base coat? 

[ChrisJ]

I'm with @Rambo - I'd leave it all shiny

[jonwat]

1 hour ago, skiing said:

am guessing some etch primer as a base coat? 

After a de grease & quick rub down with coarse wire wool 

Edited October 7, 2022 by jonwat

[GreenGoddess]

Thanks guys. I do like the bare aluminium look but I thought making it black would be better for originality. I’m still not sure what I will do. 

[Gis]

The header tank in my late 83 turbo is silver (Aluminium unpainted) so I would not bother with painting if I were you. 

[markt]

How about black anodizing it as an option?

[Rambo]

How about just leaving it? Life's too short. Get out there driving it and enjoying it otherwise it will become another garage queen 😐

[GreenGoddess]

4 hours ago, markt said:

How about black anodizing it as an option?

That would look good, sounds expensive though.

[Steve V8]

I painted these magnesium alloy wheels with Smoothrite in 1987, still good after 35yrs.

[GreenGoddess]

16 minutes ago, Steve V8 said:

I painted these magnesium alloy wheels with Smoothrite in 1987, still good after 35yrs.

Wow 😮 

Cant get a better recommendation than that!

[drdoom]

Prep the surface with de-grease, key it with steel wool, apply thorough final wipe with methyl alcohol to etch and any decent paint will endure.

Cheers

[jonwat]

17 hours ago, GreenGoddess said:

Cant get a better recommendation than that!

Depends on their use