New & Oxidized Aluminum: No Hazardous Acid Etching Required

Aluminum has long posed a challenge for coatings professionals. To prepare new or oxidized aluminum for painting, contractors typically resort to acid etching to roughen the surface and create a mechanical bond. This process uses hazardous acids and adds cost, risk and complexity to the job. NanoPrime™ tackles the problem at its source by replacing mechanical adhesion with a patented chemical bonding approach. Instead of relying on etched profiles, the primer forms a bond directly with the aluminum substrate, avoiding the need for hazardous pre‑treatment.

NanoPrime’s formulation chemically bonds to both new and oxidized aluminum surfaces. The only surface preparation required is a clean, oil‑free substrate achieved with a low‑pressure water wash. The primer reacts with any surface oxides, converting them into stable aluminum phosphate compounds. This reaction creates a paint‑ready surface without the use of aggressive acids and ensures that light oxidation left after washing becomes part of the protective film rather than a weak point.

Because the bond is chemical rather than mechanical, NanoPrime delivers superior adhesion and corrosion resistance. Traditional coatings depend on a rough profile to grip the metal; NanoPrime’s chemistry bonds with the substrate itself, offering greater adhesion and durability. This is particularly advantageous for aluminum since it eliminates the need for acid etching and ensures that the primer can adhere to smooth surfaces just as well as rough ones. The chemical bond also helps stop under‑film corrosion and provides a flexible, resilient foundation for a variety of topcoats.

Environmental and safety considerations further strengthen the case for NanoPrime. The primer is water‑based, non‑toxic and contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It can be applied in humid or damp conditions and on surfaces that are not completely dry. Its benign chemistry means there are no harmful fumes or flammability concerns, and if spilled, the phosphates act as a fertilizer rather than a contaminant. Contractors can work without heavy protective gear and without worrying about special storage or shipping restrictions.

Eliminating hazardous acid etching saves time and money. Surface preparation accounts for a large share of coating costs, and simplifying it to a pressure wash reduces labor and equipment requirements. In off‑shore, maritime and infrastructure settings where aluminum is common, NanoPrime allows crews to quickly protect new fabrications or touch up oxidized surfaces without interrupting operations. By combining chemical bonding with eco‑friendly chemistry, the primer transforms the way aluminum surfaces are prepared and coated.