How To Prepare Sheet Metal For Paint

Analyze the surface of the sheet metal.

How to prepare sheet metal for paint.

Create a rough surface on the sheet metal. Texturize the surface of the sheet metal. Clean new galvanized metal surfaces with a water based cleaner degreaser to remove any oil or and contaminants. Zinc helps prevent rust from developing in the future.

To properly prepare new metal surfaces use mineral spirits to remove grease and apply a rust inhibitive primer before painting. Purchase products that are labeled for metal and contain a zinc additive. Start with 120 grit sandpaper and work to finer grade sandpapers ending with 320 grit. For large flat surfaces use a sanding block to get even pressure.

Using high grit sandpaper or steel wool rub the surface of the sheet metal. The acid in the vinegar will act to etch the metal and help the paint adhere. Choose a type of paint you may or may not need to prime the surface depending on the type of paint you choose. See all 28 photos.

Use a light gray primer for a light final paint color and a black primer for a darker final color. The acidity of the vinegar will react with the metal treating the surface to promote paint adhesion. This will allow the paint to adhere to the metal. Evercoat metal glaze gets smeared into these scratches.

Proper surface prep is essential for spray paint adhesion so sand or brush off all loose paint and rust spots. Once the metal has dried dampen a cloth with white vinegar and wipe the surface down. Because shiny objects seldom allow paint to bond well use the metal brush and. Wash the entire sheet aluminum surface using a pressure washer.

With the rust removed sand the entire surface to smooth out uneven areas and dull the surface so the primer and paint can adhere. The first step is to clean off loose rust and flaking paint and then apply a rust inhibitive primer. However badly rusted metal areas need more prep work and possibly a special primer. 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.

Part 2 of three parts on prepping fresh sheetmetal for paint. Sanding and applying primer. If the sheet metal is smooth to the touch you will need to texturize it before painting. All you have to do is simply apply the vinegar to a clean rag and then wipe down the galvanized surface.

Step 1 scrub any greasy or oily areas using a degreaser and a brush. If you want to paint sheet aluminum you ll need to use a special kind of primer to rough up the surface or you will end up with a finish that will flake and peel rather quickly.