I want to make a wrist roller, but instead of using PVC pipe, I wish to use aluminum pipe. I absolutely HATE spray paint. Too humid here to even bother w/ the stuff. Projects always end up tacky the paint always ends up on your hands. It's rediculous.They have metalic paint, but is it going to be too much of a PITA to prep the aluminum for paint? I don't want a soft finish either. Look at baton's used in track. Isn't that a chemical that's applied to give colour?
If you want to use aluminum, just polish the aluminum using steel wool. Use the coarsest or finest to suit your needs.
Most colored aluminum is anodized. A process where a colored finish is bonded to the aluminum. What ever you use, make sure to scuff the surface with a Scotch Brite pad and clean the surface with alcohol to remove any dust as well as oily residue ( from handling ). Use a primer compatible with both aluminum and the finish coat.
