4100 Series Aluminium, Base colors

4100 Series Aluminum Bases

Aluminum Base Colors are actual aluminum with unique properties separate from other Auto Air Colors.  They’re highly reflective, making them an ideal base for candy colors.  They also work excellent as a standalone silver finish; 4102 Aluminum Base Medium is an incredibly brilliant, show quality finish.

Start with 6013 AutoBorne Silver Sealer.   When painting large panels, bike tanks & fenders, complete vehicles, apply 4100 Series Aluminum Bases as a mid-coat over AutoBorne Sealer Aluminum to achieve an even metallic orientation.  When applied over a black or non-metallic base as a base color, 4100 Series Aluminum can appear splotchy on side-cast views despite an even application that looks well orientated on direct views; this is a unique characteristic of the aluminum flake which makes them different compared to 4300 Series Silvers.  4100 Series Aluminums are spectacular silvers, however for large applications; best results are achieved applying them over a silver ground coat.

Aluminum Bases are sensitive to touch.  Do not wipe clean or scuff after painting as any direct contact will create visible streak marks in the final finish due to the aluminum flakes being bent & crushed when wiped.  The aluminum flakes are brilliant but are much different to work with compared to Auto Air 4300 Series silvers.  Applying a clear top-coat or candy mid-coat is recommended soon after Aluminum Bases have cured.  Apply 4004 Transparent Base or 4030 Auto Air Inter-Coat if extended time is planned before top-coating as inter-coat will protect from direct contact when cleaning prior to clear.

Coverage:  Aluminum Bases cover well as they’re applied as a pearl mid-coat over a black sealer base.  100% coverage is not intended as dimension is created by allowing some of the black base to be visible in the final finish.  On average, 2 – 3 light coats with a full sized spray gun over a black base is required.  Avoid excessive material build-up as this creates mottling and a splotchy finish. Refer to Hard Surface Application Guide’s Material Usage project-specified material estimate.

Aluminum Bases are best applied with a spray-gun or large tip-sized airbrush.  Refer to Hard Surface Application Guide for further application information.