Pat, a base coat of a metal primer is recommended before applying a paint (my experience is in marine use -- a pretty harsh environment!) Metal primers are available in spray can form at your local hardware store and they also provide a "smoother" surface for your exterior paint coat I've had good luck with an aluminum tiller. Primed well and painted with an enamel paint, it has been exposed to the weather for 6 months and I've had no problems. *--------------------------------------------* | Kathy Murphy - National Air & Space Museum | | [log in to unmask] | *--------------------------------------------*