PAINTING ON METAL
ANY metal which has rigidity, such as Copper, Zinc and Aluminum, is good to paint on and is absolutely permanent. Aluminum is the lightest of all the metals and not very expensive. It is readily purchased in any size up to 30″ x 36″ and in any reasonable thickness. The bodies of nearly all good automobiles are made of Aluminum, and when the surface is properly prepared, it holds the paint perfectly and permanently. It can be bought with a so-called egg-shell finish, but it is always advisable, before painting, to rub it very thoroughly with coarse sandpaper or emery cloth. This produces very fine ridges, which hold the paint, and that is the only preparation that Aluminum needs for permanent painting. Copper, Brass, Tin-Plate and Zinc must all be prepared in the same manner by rubbing them very thoroughly with coarse sandpaper or emery cloth, and no further preparation is necessary.