Prepare Sheet Metal For Painting

Before you begin read the labels on all products you re using making sure they are suitable for the type of metal and compatible with each other.

Prepare sheet metal for painting.

For more tips including how to prepare your galvanized steel before painting it read on. On older galvanized metal surfaces where the zinc coating has begun breaking down known as white rust use a wire brush or fine sandpaper to remove the chalky film before cleaning it. Some people use acrylic latex paint which is not designed specifically for galvanized metal so you will want to prime the surface before painting. To prep and paint metal you ll need shop rags acetone scuffing pad self etching primer and your choice of spray paint.

Read the directions on the container of metal paint. When the paint is dry apply your second coat on top. Inspect the surface carefully to make sure it s completely coated with the paint source. Once the metal has dried dampen a cloth with white vinegar and wipe the surface down.

The acid in the vinegar will act to etch the metal and help the paint adhere. By addressing the deeper sand scratches this way we re actually skipping a step. The basic steps for surface prep are. Analyze the surface of the sheet metal.

Before painting on metal prepare the surface so it s clean and rust free. However badly rusted metal areas need more prep work and possibly a special primer. To properly prepare new metal surfaces use mineral spirits to remove grease and apply a rust inhibitive primer before painting. The first step is to clean off loose rust and flaking paint and then apply a rust inhibitive primer.

It should appear dull rather than shiny. See all 28 photos. Paints that are made for galvanized surfaces will require less prep work and will adhere better than other kinds of paint. If the sheet metal is smooth to the touch you will need to texturize it before painting.

Do not use alkyd based paints or oil based primer. Let your paint dry for 3 4 hours. Even when fully cured metal glaze sands much softer than the surrounding rage gold. Using high grit sandpaper or steel wool rub the surface of the sheet metal.

Apply the metal paint which should be the same brand as the primer according to the product directions. For painted surfaces that are in sound condition remove dust with a clean dry cloth de gloss the surface with light sanding and wipe with mineral spirits to ensure good adhesion. You don t need to get down to bare shiny metal just clean off the flakes and powdery surface rust that prevent paint from adhering. Don t forget to wear gloves eye protection and a respirator mask.

Let the paint dry according to the directions. Texturize the surface of the sheet metal.