Painting Aluminum Tool Box

Has anyone tried to paint their aluminum tool box?

I've ordered two black ones online and both came smashed to shit and chipped due to the amazing cardboard if you can call it that packaging. Can't believe UWS and Better Built don't use styrofoam on the corners.

Was thinking about picking up a Husky from Homedepot and painting it.

Would used self etching aluminum primer and was thinking either flat black or derp. Considered powder coating but then that's when the price outways it.

Thoughts, ideas welcome.

 

Clean it really well, aluminum loves to be clean. And I would definitely use the self etch primer, followed with whatever paint you want, whether that's flat, semi-gloss, or gloss. If you take your time and do it right, it'll look as good as if the company painted it, IMO. Good luck!

 

I got tired of my lid fading and such so I had the Line-X guy take care of it.

Might be costly though but you would may have to do it once.

Looks grey in this pic but it's black.

 

Spray it down with vinegar let it set over night. Then wipe down with wax and grease remover. Prime with etching primer and paint.