I got an aluminum toolbox and bedrails that I've painted over black. The paint on the rails is fine, but I've had to repaint the toolbox twice already. I used Rustoleum spraypaint. Does anybody out there know of a paint that will stand up to the elements.

 

It depends on the kind of abuse it's going to take. Powdercoating it would probably be the best idea, but if $ is an issue, try some of the harder enamels (wheel paint, engine paint, etc.). Duplicolor generally makes pretty good stuff. Just regular spray paint isn't going to be durable enough for the common uses it will be subject to. Also, did you just paint right on top of the aluminum? I would imagine there is some sort of coating on it for protection anyway. You need to rough it up just a bit and get some good primer on there for the paint to really bond to.

 

^^^ agree

theres prolly a factory applied polish on the aluminum,, and the key to a good paint job is proper prep work..

this is what i would do in your situation.. first i would use some Wax/Grease remover over the entire surface that is going to be painted. next i would use a GREEN scotchbrite pad and scuff the aluminum up so that the paint has something to adhear to..(will take a good long while to get between the diamonds on the dimond plate) then repeat the wax/greaseremover step... next i would find some good metal etching primer and apply it as directed.. then get yourself some tractor/farm implement spray paint.. its sold at Tractor Supply Company.. and this stuff ROCKS... cheep durable and turns out a nice finsih...

hope this helps!