When it comes to painting metal, you should have a plan in place. It can be extremely difficult just to wing it. Preparation is key to having success painting your metal. Here is how you can do it:
Prep And Prime
There are certain techniques you need to paint different metal surfaces. You don’t want to go at your wrought iron, aluminum, or other metal with just any coat of paint. Painting metal is similar to painting wood, meaning your preparation is key. Make sure to prep your metal before applying the prime coat. The first step is to consider the type of metal your painting.
For ferrous metal, you must clean and ensure the surface is rust-free. But before you prime, use a scuff pad to remove any rust. Simply wipe the surface with a damp rag so the surface is free of any dust.
Galvanized metal often has more oily residue on its surface than other metals. Before you prime, you’ll need to wipe away any residue with a detergent solution. If oxidation has occurred, use a sander or wire brush to remove any buildup.
Pick the Right Metal Paint
After you have prepped and primed your surfaces, you’re ready to apply the top coat. Because the topcoat will endure wear and tear in everyday life, you’ll want to choose quality metal paint. Quality paints are:
- Fast-drying
- Can be applied directly to the metal
- Corrosion-resistant
At Tampa Steel & Supply, we are proud to supply paint from Sumter Coatings. A Sumter coat is a popular choice because they are fast drying, direct to metal coatings that come in a variety of colors.
Materials Needed to Paint Metal
There are many materials that you will need to paint metal. These materials include:
- Shop rags
- Scoffing pads
- Dust mask
- Goggles
- Paintbrush
- Rust remover
- Acetone
- Paint for metal
Instructions on How To Paint Metal
The first step is to identify the metal you are painting. This will help you pick a primer to use on the metal. The next step is to remove the old paint and rust from your current metal. From there, take a scuffing pad and rub it directly on the metal.
Here is the step where you apply the primer. Don’t skip this step because it will help the paint stick to the metal. Once the primer is applied and dry, you’re ready to paint!
Your One Stop Shop for Steel Supplies
At Tampa Steel & Supply, we want to help facilitate your next project. Whether you’re looking for steel, paint, or any other fabrication accessories, we’ve got what you need! View our extensive list of products and be sure to contact us today for all of your steel needs.
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