How To Prepare Sheet Metal For Paint

Because shiny objects seldom allow paint to bond well use the metal brush and.

How to prepare sheet metal for paint.

Invest in a rust inhibiting metal spray paint and spray primer. Create a rough surface on the sheet metal. The disposable clean sheets are a. Use a light gray primer for a light final paint color and a black primer for a darker final color.

Sanding and applying primer. Evercoat metal glaze gets smeared into these scratches. To properly prepare new metal surfaces use mineral spirits to remove grease and apply a rust inhibitive primer before painting. The acidity of the vinegar will react with the metal treating the surface to promote paint adhesion.

Step 1 scrub any greasy or oily areas using a degreaser and a brush. Once the metal has dried dampen a cloth with white vinegar and wipe the surface down. Analyze the surface of the sheet metal. If the sheet metal is smooth to the touch you will need to texturize it before painting.

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. 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.

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. 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. You don t need to get down to bare shiny metal just clean off the flakes and powdery surface rust that prevent paint from adhering.

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. This will allow the paint to adhere to the metal. All you have to do is simply apply the vinegar to a clean rag and then wipe down the galvanized surface.

See all 28 photos. Part 2 of three parts on prepping fresh sheetmetal for paint. Zinc helps prevent rust from developing in the future. However badly rusted metal areas need more prep work and possibly a special primer.

The acid in the vinegar will act to etch the metal and help the paint adhere. The first step is to clean off loose rust and flaking paint and then apply a rust inhibitive primer.