Aluminum Pipe Bed

Step 5 Clear Coating

I chose to clear coat all of the aluminum components (pipe and angle pieces). I used Prep-Sol to clean the surface before using Krylon Clear Coat from a spray can, and gave three applications. Nice clean finish, and keeps the industrial look of the aluminum. I did this to protect against aluminum oxidation (which leaves a powdery residue) and any possible reactions between the disimilar metals (aluminum pipe and galvanized steel fittings).

You may be able to skip this step if you use annodized aluminum, or have the components powder coated.