How To Spray Paint Galvanized Sheet Metal

The painting process is actually very straightforward because the surface of galvanized steel is relatively smooth and consistent.

How to spray paint galvanized sheet metal.

Galvanized steel is a great material to use for a variety of tools products and projects and it s environmentally friendly. The choices of paint for galvanized metal will depend upon both the application and service environment. Possible cause new galvanized metal a product used to make corrugated sheets gutters and downspouts is usually smooth and is coated with either a layer of oil to prevent white rust or is passivated. Avoid using alkyd based paints such as spray paint on galvanized steel.

When painting galvanized steel all paint systems used should be specifically formulated for use on galvanized steel and applied in accordance with the paint manufacturer s recommendations. 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 surface that has been painted. Once the metal has dried dampen a cloth with white vinegar and wipe the surface down.

For the most dependable results look for paints that are formulated specifically to bond to galvanized steel. In fact roughly 69 of steel is recycled in north america each year. The enamels in alkyd paints can react with the slick zinc finish on a galvanized steel surface leading to poor adhesion and peeling. Paint that has lost its adhesion to a galvanized metal substrate e g.

Galvanized metal is difficult to paint because it s coated with a layer of oil to prevent white rust. The acid in the vinegar will act to etch the metal and help the paint adhere.