Powder coating aluminum

[drewr]

I notice many are powder coating the aluminum panels. Is there a reason for this other than aesthetics? The reason I ask is that my last toy car was a Lotus Elise which is mostly bare aluminum. It wore well and was easy to care for. I like the race car look, and I’m going for a vintage-ish vibe. Is there some other practical reason for coating the panels?
Thanks,
Drew

[John Dol]

Mostly ecstatics. I painted mine with high heat paint instead.
You can do bare aluminum and still clear coat it too.
But at the end of the day you can leave them bare too.

HTH,

John

[edwardb]

Unless you live near the ocean where salt corrosion can be an issue, it's mainly aesthetics. The 6061 aluminum, because of the copper content, is quite resistant to normal corrosion. Many leave it bare because that's the look they want. I personally prefer powder coat, and have done 100% of the parts on all my builds. Used different colors for different looks. It's easy to keep clean and will stay looking new for years. But it's very much a personal choice.

[drewr]

Thanks for the replies. That makes sense. I’m the son of a 1970’s street rodder so I’ve seen many aluminum sheet metal firewalls, floors, and foot boxes. I may leave bare or use Sharkhide. My kit is hopefully coming mid January!

[Jeff Kleiner]

Uncoated panels will lose some of the bright sheen and dull a bit over time as they develop a light oxidation. On my own car I gave them a brushed finish and then clear coated them but most of the ones I have built for customers have been left raw and still look fine after 10-12 years. One recommendation though is that as soon as possible remove the ink mill markings (acetone or lacquer thinner work well). If you wait and do it later the “shadow” from the markings will remain because the ink slowed the oxidation.

Jeff

[Qballz]

Thanks for mentioning the need to remove the ink mill marks! Makes good sense.