Preparing Sheet Metal For Painting

If you haven t already spread out a drop cloth or a large plastic sheet.

Preparing sheet metal for painting.

Place the object you re painting on a drop cloth. Paint will not adhere to dirty oily surfaces. Start with 120 grit sandpaper and work to finer grade sandpapers ending with 320 grit. However badly rusted metal areas need more prep work and possibly a special primer.

Prime the surface with a primer made for metal. Introduce your secret weapon the secret to painting galvanized steel is white vinegar. No matter what the material it s hard to apply a proper coat of paint if you re brushing over bits and particles. Things you ll need chemical degreaser distilled white vinegar lint free cloth high grit sandpaper or wire brush exterior latex primer exterior latex paint paintbrush or roller rubber gloves.

The vinegar is a mild acid which acts to etch the galvanized coating so the paint will stick. Once done you can paint over rust. Preferably set up your painting area outside. Remove loose and peeling paint.

This will remove any dust and dirt from the surface of the sheet metal. Surface preparation is the key to success when you prepare metal for priming and painting. Scrub partially rusted metal areas with a wire brush to remove flakes and powdery surface rust then prime with a rust inhibitive primer. 5 important steps preparing metal for paint clean the surface.

If the old paint is in poor condition you can remove it by hand wire brushing sanding. Spray the sheet metal with white vinegar and wipe it down with a clean rag. For large flat surfaces use a sanding block to get even pressure. If you need to paint inside choose a well ventilated area and consider using a respirator.

Start with a wire brush photo 1. Spray the metal with compressed air. Go over the metal with a wire brush to remove any oxidation. Some metals are pre coated with an oil that is designed to.

To properly prepare new metal surfaces use mineral spirits to remove grease and apply a. The vinegar s acidity will further abrade. Wipe the galvanized surface down with white vinegar.