Painting Sheet Metal

Spray in a quick smooth and even pattern until the surface is covered.

Painting sheet metal.

Hold the spray paint can 12 to 24 inches 30 4 to 60 9 cm from the surface. Paint can add a custom look to almost anything but it won t properly adhere to a smooth metal surface without preparation. Apply spray paint to the sheet metal. The acid in the vinegar will act to etch the metal and help the paint adhere.

Once the metal has dried dampen a cloth with white vinegar and wipe the surface down. Wear gloves and a dust mask while you work. 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. For best results keep the can parallel to the sheet metal surface and spray in a back and forth motion over the surface.

If painting over lightly rusted or bare metal i e. No rust remained after wire brushing it then top it with a water or oil based interior exterior rust preventative metal primer available for. Choose a type of paint you may or may not need to prime the surface depending on the type of paint you choose. Painted sheet metal gives any roofing project a highly customized look without sacrificing durability and performance.

Both steel and aluminum sheet metal can be painted to your customer s specifications. Before painting shiny sheet metal abrade it with fine sandpaper or steel. Acrylic latex paint like most types of metal surfaces sheet aluminum is hard slick and nonporous. Large cans may be the most cost effective option when painting large linear metal objects such as fences and backsplashes but spray paints e g rust oleum hammered metal finish spray 8 74 for.

The acidity of the vinegar will react with the metal treating the surface to promote paint adhesion. Keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe away paint dust and rust particles periodically while you work. Sheet aluminum must be pre treated through abrasion to help encourage it to accept paint. Working around paint and rust particles can be harmful so choose a well ventilated area where you can put a drop sheet down underneath your metal project.

To properly prepare new metal surfaces use mineral spirits to remove grease and apply a rust inhibitive primer before painting.