Cool Hand Posted March 4, 2010 Share Posted March 4, 2010 Howdy. Been a while since I posted here so forgive if I have this in the wrong spot. I currently am knee deep into a smoker project and I really want to use a 120 gal tank I was given by my uncle. Just one caveat though. After removing some of the paint in transport I quickly realized after draggin this thing 100 miles that it is made of aluminum. It is a nice thick tank so I can imagine why I shouldn't use it anyway. I am building this thing from the ground up. All the steel parts that are showing I am putting a gunmetal finish on. Wood will be stained a dark red. WHat I am hoping you guys can give me is some insight on refinishing this old aluminum tank. Short of using some exotic acid, is there anything I can use to make this thing look good, not peal when heated and not poison those I deem worthy of eating my smoked pork and chili? I am also having a challenge with mounting the silly thing, but I think I am going to learn the job of cooper and use a wagon wheel band around either end. I appreciate any input you can provide. Pics will be a coming soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted March 4, 2010 Share Posted March 4, 2010 You could have it anodized any color that you wished, or just give it a good polish, or "brushed" finish. When I had my shop I found an auto body DA sander gave aluminum a nice satin finish. With smoking the heat isn't that great, so a good stove/bbq paint would also be ok on the outside. With old paint on the inside you could use an aluminum safe stripper, or just get a fire built in it to soften the paint enough to scrape it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 4, 2010 Share Posted March 4, 2010 What about jeweling it like the old airplane cowlings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkrankow Posted March 4, 2010 Share Posted March 4, 2010 What about jeweling it like the old airplane cowlings? Isn't that brushed creating overlapping spots with a full cup on a lower speed drill? That would be sharp looking! Painting may be problematic as aluminum does not accept paint very well. You would need a high temp aluminum primer compatible with your high temp paint. However isn't a smoker typically operated below 350F? Is your firebox integral or separate? Many propane BBQ's are die cast aluminum, so taking the heat isn't a problem. Keeping it nice looking for the long haul is another story. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.