How to paint aluminium window frame?

[DIYHaveaCrack]

Hi folks

Some rookie mistakes with painters tape around my aluminium window frame when painting my trim has led to the need for a cleanup. Rookie mistakes included bad placement of tape and probably taking off too soon. So my question is how best to go about firstly cleaning the paint off of the aluminium window frame. I'm thinking I will need to redo the trim paintwork after this is done but any suggestions about how best to go about the cleanup and redo would be appreciated thanks. 

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @DIYHaveaCrack 

Ouch! and a few more ouches. Yep, done the same before and sometimes still do it (Crossing fingers the front door i am doing atm wont be the same)

I have a couple of suggestions ranging from do-abale to scary do-able..

First one - Use something liek a solid finger nail file piece of timber and have some fin sandpaper over the end, then sand the rough edge down to smooth. Once smooth retape the metal frame and repaint.

Second scraier one - Use some paint stripper (Now I am not sure how it will go on anadised aluminium window fram) so Id ask the paint desk for sure. Put the paint stripper using ear buds onto the bit thats on the aluminium. I have noticed that when i have used paint stripper it seems to somehow only take the last layer of paint off. So let it work and then remove and then wipe with a wet rag to stop any leftover stuff from still working. Once dry then retape and paint again.

Dave

[EricL]

Hello @DIYHaveaCrack 

It's great that you've received excellent advice from @Dave-1. Just to add to the suggestions made, I recommend trying DIGGERS™ Methylated Spirits - 1L a clean rag along with a Pro Renovator 38mm Plastic Scraper. 

The general steps are to wrap the scraper with the clean rag and putting some metho on the rag. You then scrape the painted aluminium. This is on the condition that you used water based-paint. It will be slow going and will take several applications before the paint totally comes off.

But if it is oil based-paint, I'm afraid you'll need to use paint remover. Please remember to test a small corner first to make sure that it will not damage your anodized aluminium.

If you do have to repeat the painting process, my number one tip is to use a Trojan 6 In1 Multi Paint Scraper as a guide when lining up the tape. It must also be used as an edge press on the masking tape to make sure that the tapes edge is down.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to paint trims (the techniques used are applicable to your project)

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your project.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric