Prepare Sheet Metal For Painting

Create a rough surface on the sheet metal.

Prepare sheet metal for painting.

Inspect the surface carefully to make sure it s completely coated with the paint source. For more tips including how to prepare your galvanized steel before painting it read on. It should appear dull rather than shiny. Texturize the surface of the sheet metal.

This will allow the paint to adhere to the metal. When the paint is dry apply your second coat on top. Even when fully cured metal glaze sands much softer than the surrounding rage gold. However badly rusted metal areas need more prep work and possibly a special primer.

The first step is to clean off loose rust and flaking paint and then apply a rust inhibitive primer. 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. The acid in the vinegar will act to etch the metal and help the paint adhere. Using high grit sandpaper or steel wool rub the surface of the sheet metal.

See all 28 photos. 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. 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. To prep and paint metal you ll need shop rags acetone scuffing pad self etching primer and your choice of spray paint.

Don t forget to wear gloves eye protection and a respirator mask. 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. Read the directions on the container of metal paint.

By addressing the deeper sand scratches this way we re actually skipping a step. The basic steps for surface prep are. 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. Let the paint dry according to the directions.

Let your paint dry for 3 4 hours. 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. Analyze the surface of the sheet metal. To properly prepare new metal surfaces use mineral spirits to remove grease and apply a rust inhibitive primer before painting.

Do not use alkyd based paints or oil based primer. Apply the metal paint which should be the same brand as the primer according to the product directions.