Aluminum platform paint?

[rcnight]

The last aluminum paint job I did was on a sailboat mast. What I remember, it was pretty easy - I used Awlgrip products. Washed it down with some cleaner, applied an etching primer & sprayed a few top coats. The primer was water thin and I must have brushed it on. I would think a small project like yours would be a good start for building experience. Give it a shot - worst you can do is take it back to the pro.