What would be the prep to do such a thing?.....will it last?.....a buddy wants to sell me his alum c/plate truck bed toolbox for a song but the chrome does not work for the truck....I want to paint it black.... thanks...D

Doug, I had all mine powder coated . Seems pretty tough. If its a high wear area, I would suggest anodizing.

you can paint aluminum as long as you use the right primer, ask you local paint dist. I think I used an epoxy primer, some guys use acid etch primer

I used diamond plate in a couple areas on my boat I scuffed it with 3m scuff-it and then used flat black paint from my local automotive paint store (Finishmaster), who put it in a spray can for me. If you tell them the application, they will know what product line works best. Its been 2 years and there havent been any issues at all.

Sandblast, epoxy primer, urethane top coat.

Might look into having it Rhino-lined.

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