If you have a.
How to paint zinc sheet metal.
A neat file trick is called draw filing this involves holding the long axis of the file perpendicular to the edge and holding the file flat on the edge you want to clean up and then instead of pushing the file forward like you normally do slide it sideways down the whole length of your part and that will produce an excellent flat and smooth edge for you.
Once the metal has been cleaned and is dry prime it using an exterior multipurpose latex primer or a latex primer that is made specifically for galvanized metal.
Rinse exterior metal with.
Wash the zinc plated metal with a water based degreasing cleanser using steel wool.
Topcoat with two coars of a high quality exterior latex paint.
Introduce your secret weapon.
Wash the galvanized.
Wash the galvanised metal etching primer from the brush using plain tap water.
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.
A powerful degreaser will cut through dirt grime mold and other problematic residue without affecting the temperamental zinc coating.
Coat the zinc plated metal with galvanized metal etching primer using a roller and a shed free roller cover.
Coat the primed zinc plated metal with acrylic enamel using the roller and a clean shed free cover.
Roll one three by three foot section at a time.
Clean the steel with a chemical degreaser.
In your application a flat bastard or mill bastard file will do well.
The secret to painting galvanized steel is white vinegar.
Allow the zinc plating to dry for three hours.
Spray the surface with the solution then scrub it with a clean lint free cloth.
The goal is to remove any dust dirt or other particulate buildup that could affect the texture of the metal surface.