Save the sandpaper for another project. Ask around, find some place that does powder coating. Let them sandblast them. They'll look a lot better than trying to do it yourself. Its very difficult to get them smooth to the finish, as not all the original coating wants to come off without a lot of resistance. Also, since it aluminum, bare paint may not adhere that well. I could scratch off the paint on my handles after letting the paint cure. All it took was a finger nail. Plus, the finish felt awful compared to powder coating. 

From: Sunshine <vwbusgirl@KC.RR.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Painting the Wind Shield Wipers

> Date:    Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:28:11 -0800
> From:    Bill Prats <b.bill.p@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Painting the Wind Shield Wipers
> 
> The paint or Black Powder Coat is coming off the wiper arms on my '89
> Westy.  Any suggestions to refinish these?? I'd replace them if I
> could find some in excellent condition but ......
> 
> Bill89GoWesty2.3
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Hey Now Bill,
> I'm doing the same thing right now, painting my windshield wiper arms
> due to the original finish wearing off.
> I sanded the paint all off mine starting with 100 grit sandpaper, then
> went down to 150 grit and finally smoothed over the bare metal with 220
> grit sandpaper.
> 
> Now you can prime the bare metal with a "bare metal primer".  I think
> the kind I has is put out by Rustoleum but not sure.  From there just
> get Black Satin Rustoleum spray paint and spray them.  I'm also going
> to give mine a coat of Satin Polyurethane spray.
> 
> That's just what I'm doing, I'm sure there are a zillion other ways.
> 
> Peace,
> Sunshine
> 1989 Wolfsburg Edition Vanagon GL "Stella Blue"
> 1987 Vanagon GL "Parts Bus"
> 1974 VW Transporter Bus "Buddy"
> 
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