The effects of Pb(II) ions and Al(III) ions on the electro kinetic and flotation behavior of rutile were investigated by micro-flotation tests, zeta potential measurements and solution chemistry analysis. Micro-flotation results indicate that the Pb(II) ions can effectively improve the flotation recovery of rutile while the Al(III) ions significantly inhibit the flotation of rutile. Zeta potential measurements reveal that a collector styrene phosphoric acid (SPA) can adsorb on the rutile surface after the addition of Pb(II) ions, but hardly adsorb on the rutile surface after the addition of Al(III) ions. Pb(II) ions adsorb on the rutile surface in the form of Pb(OH)+ and Pb(OH)2(s), and the latter one is the main reason that activates rutile flotation. Al(III) ions adsorb on the rutile surface mainly in the form of Al(OH)3(s), which prevent the direct interaction between the rutile and the collector, resulting in a decrease of rutile flotation recovery.