So lesson learned on my end. I thought I was saving some $$ and was being clever using an engine block ceramic based paint for my aluminum panels. I was RO sanding them with 120 grit to clean and provide a surface with additional mechanical bond and I was cleaning them with lacquer thinner and naphtha to remove any residue after the sanding. I used the prescribed primer and made sure I had proper environmental (temp and humidity) before applying paint. The end result was panels that looked good but when I riveted them on the paint would peel away around the rivets and if the panels touched each other (sometimes I think if they just got too close) they would scratch up the paint right down to the bare aluminum.
So I have pulled off the panels I had attached and sent everything off for powder coating.
My only issue now of course is the 1-2 week estimate I was given in early Feb for getting the job done has tuned into 5-6 weeks. The trials and tribulations of trying to support a local business that have gone through personnel problems just as I turned over my panels.
Anyway, for those that are still debating this I am not sure what I was doing wrong but the rattle can paint approach was not working for me. It was taking hours to prep the panels for paint and my results just were not cutting it.
Ron