Painting bimini top frame ?

[La catboat]

Have a catboat with bronze hardware and want to install a bimini top. BUT don't care for the shiny aluminum frame that comes with it. Has anyone ever painted the aluminum tubing and how did you perp it and what paint do you recommend? Thinking of a light tan color. Also was thinking about boat hull stripe tape (tan) wrapping the aluminum frame with it --- probably not but just an idea.

 

[MikeHoncho]

Paint will fail. I’d have it media blasted to knock off the shine or made sleeves out of the sunbrella or like material with the color you want.

 

[PaulK]

Or replace it with stainless...

 

[capta]

Aluminum can be painted, but it requires an etch primer to bond. However, you are just making another maintenance headache.
Why not just go the simple route and just have the frame made from bronze tubing? End fittings and connections can easily be cast in bronze. Easy peasy.