Aluminum is a great material for a toolbox since it’s durable
and easy to carry. The only problem with it is that it doesn’t take
much to make it look dirty. And, since the box holds tools, chances are
it’s subject to a frequent dousing in water, grease and all matter of
other materials. This means you need to clean it at least once a month
to keep it looking its best. It will need even more frequent cleaning
if you store it outdoors instead of in the garage or a shed.
Building an aluminum tool case provides novice metalworkers with a simple project that allows them to learn fundamental welding practices, while more experienced metalsmiths can challenge themselves by modifying the basic design to include more intricate components, such as organizing slots or removable trays. Materials to construct a metal tool box are inexpensive and easy to locate. A simple case requires less than a day’s work, while adjustments and improvements can be made over the life of the tool box.
Do-it-yourselfers have long struggled with projects that involve painting aluminum. Aluminum has a thin, durable layer of aluminum oxide that prevents corrosion. Unfortunately, this corrosion barrier also resists paint adhesion. Industrial professionals treat aluminum with a number of commercial chemicals and techniques designed to remove this layer without weakening the corrosive resistance of the aluminum. If a little loss of corrosion integrity is acceptable, any DIYer can paint aluminum after a good sanding.
An aluminum toolbox works as hard as the owner does. It braves the wind, rain and even the harsh sun. With the elements, keeping the tool box polished and refined may be difficult to accomplish. The rust, dullness and dust can come off and the aluminum toolbox will appear as new. To keep the shine, polish your tool box every month. You should also clean the grime and dirt from the box at least once a week.
Building an aluminum tool case provides novice metalworkers with a simple project that allows them to learn fundamental welding practices, while more experienced metalsmiths can challenge themselves by modifying the basic design to include more intricate components, such as organizing slots or removable trays. Materials to construct a metal tool box are inexpensive and easy to locate. A simple case requires less than a day’s work, while adjustments and improvements can be made over the life of the tool box.
Do-it-yourselfers have long struggled with projects that involve painting aluminum. Aluminum has a thin, durable layer of aluminum oxide that prevents corrosion. Unfortunately, this corrosion barrier also resists paint adhesion. Industrial professionals treat aluminum with a number of commercial chemicals and techniques designed to remove this layer without weakening the corrosive resistance of the aluminum. If a little loss of corrosion integrity is acceptable, any DIYer can paint aluminum after a good sanding.
An aluminum toolbox works as hard as the owner does. It braves the wind, rain and even the harsh sun. With the elements, keeping the tool box polished and refined may be difficult to accomplish. The rust, dullness and dust can come off and the aluminum toolbox will appear as new. To keep the shine, polish your tool box every month. You should also clean the grime and dirt from the box at least once a week.
1、 Clean the surface of the aluminum toolbox using
a soapy solution. A soap used for degreasing is preferable. Any
household dishwasher soap would be sufficient. Once you apply it, scrub
clean with a sponge until you remove all dirt and debris. Rinse
thoroughly, making sure that you have washed away all the soap. Repeat
the rinsing process as needed, then dry with a clean towel or rag.
If you’re cleaning your toolbox indoors, cover the
table and floor with old newspaper. Most metal polish is black and
can stain some surfaces. If you have a very large toolbox and don’t
want to spend a long time scrubbing, you can attach a cotton buff to
your drill and use that instead of the cloth. Aluminum polish is
available at most hardware stores.
2、Prepare to remove the aluminum oxide coating. Once you’ve sanded
through the aluminum oxide barrier in step 3, it will reform over time.
To ensure the best coat possible, work quickly. Careful preparation can
help you ensure a sufficient mechanical bond between paint and aluminum.
Have cleaning materials and painting implements prepped and ready
before you begin sanding.
3、Remove the layer of aluminum oxide. As mentioned earlier, the
most effective way to remove the aluminum oxide layer is to have a
professional treat it. However, sandblasting or scrubbing the aluminum
with coarse sandpaper will cut through the chemical barrier and
penetrate into the aluminum. This will diminish the aluminum’s ability
to withstand oxidation (rusting), but it is much cheaper than having a
professional treat the surface of your toolbox.
4、Immediately clean away any debris. A damp sponge works best but
remember if you used, confirm that it is thoroughly dried before
applying paint.
5、Once the surface is clean again, it is ready to be painted. Use
an acrylic or polyurethane based paint. The sanding in step 3 allows for
a sufficient mechanical bond to occur. It is not as effective as
chemical bonding, but so long as the paint is intact, your toolbox
should be safe from corrosion.
Edit by http://www.hqc-aluminumcase.com
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