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.

Don t forget to wear gloves eye protection and a respirator mask. Apply the metal paint which should be the same brand as the primer according to the product directions. See all 28 photos. The basic steps for surface prep are.

Once the metal has dried dampen a cloth with white vinegar and wipe the surface down. Create a rough surface on the sheet metal. 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. Inspect the surface carefully to make sure it s completely coated with the paint source.

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. If the sheet metal is smooth to the touch you will need to texturize it before painting. If possible avoid subjecting your steel to pressure heavy rain or significant changes in temperature for the first month after painting it to allow it to fully harden. Before painting on metal prepare the surface so it s clean and rust free.

Paints that are made for galvanized surfaces will require less prep work and will adhere better than other kinds of paint. This will allow the paint to adhere to the metal. The acid in the vinegar will act to etch the metal and help the paint adhere. When the paint is dry apply your second coat on top.

Using high grit sandpaper or steel wool rub the surface of the sheet metal. Texturize the surface of the sheet metal. Analyze the surface of the sheet metal. 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. It should appear dull rather than shiny. The first step is to clean off loose rust and flaking paint and then apply a rust inhibitive primer. To properly prepare new metal surfaces use mineral spirits to remove grease and apply a rust inhibitive primer before painting.

Some people use acrylic latex paint which is not designed specifically for galvanized metal so you will want to prime the surface before painting. 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. Let the paint dry according to the directions. Do not use alkyd based paints or oil based primer.

Let your paint dry for 3 4 hours. By addressing the deeper sand scratches this way we re actually skipping a step.