Aluminum Fenceposts - How to Strip/Repaint?

idesign123

In our yard, we have a "glass wall system" that is peeling horribly. See http://www.pixgroup.com/fence/fence_hill.jpg

I'm not sure the history (since we bought the home used), but it appears what we we have is…
- Aluminum fenceposts
- Original surface was white powder coating.
- Someone attempted to paint over the white coating with black paint
- Black paint is peeling off

You can see all the layers in http://www.pixgroup.com/fence/fence_closeup.jpg

This was obviously a very poor job, and I'm not sure how to fix it.

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MY QUESTIONS:

1) Is there a chemical (or process) that can strip both the paint and powder coating off?

2) After stripping, what sort of paint should I use on the aluminum posts (so the paint won't strip again)?

3) Any other advice for us?

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Thank you so much for your help!

mustangmike3789

remove any loose paint down to bare metal. sand/scuff all surfaces and feather rough edges of chipped off paint. power wash to remove dust and loose oxidation from the aluminum. just before applying any paint to aluminum, you should solvent clean with lacquer thinner to remove the layer of aluminum oxide that will form as fast as you remove it. apply one thin coat of sherwin williams wash primer http://apscontractors.homestead.com/...ash_Primer.pdf . followed by two coats of SW dtm acrylic finish coat. http://www.archcommercialpainting.co...c%20Finish.pdf .

idesign123

:: GASP ::

That is EXACTLY the info we needed! Thank you so much for taking time to share your knowledge with us. You've saved us many hours of research (and possibly costly mistakes).

We are very very grateful!