How to get good results when painting aluminium

When used as a structural material, aluminium is often left with a natural surface or given a coloured anodised finish. However, it is also necessary to apply a protective or decorative coating (e.g., paint) to some aluminium surfaces. This article (from Aluminium Courier, Dec. 1965) was written with the domestic user in mind, but it is published here as a useful guide to what should be done, and what avoided, to get a good paint finish on aluminium. The trade materials mentioned in the article are, of course, only some of those available.