Metal Surfaces
Benefit From Top Quality Paint
They're
all too common a sight -- rusty, discolored railings, chalky
metal fences, mailboxes with peeling and chipping paint. Now
imagine the difference a fresh coat of paint would make on all
of those things. According
to experts at the Paint Quality Institute, many do-it-yourselfers
shy away from painting metal surfaces because they view these
jobs as particularly difficult projects. But with careful
surface preparation, and use of the right type of top quality
coatings, these surfaces can be easily revitalized.
The
Paint Quality Institute offers the following tips for painting
various metals:
Ferrous
Metal: Except for stainless steel, metal that contains
iron is subject to rusting and requires careful surface preparation
before painting. Start by using a wire brush to remove any
peeling paint, and as much rust, as possible. Next, clean
the surface by scrubbing with a detergent solution, and rinsing
thoroughly with clean water. Before painting, apply one or
two coats of a high quality rust-inhibitive acrylic latex
primer. Allow the primer to dry overnight. Complete the job
by applying one or two coats of a top quality acrylic interior
or exterior latex paint.
Galvanized
Metal: Galvanized iron or steel has a thin coating
of zinc to help prevent rust. Carefully use a wire brush to
remove all loose paint and rust. Then wash and rinse the surface.
Next, apply an acrylic latex rust-inhibitive primer. Finish
the job by applying a top quality acrylic latex paint. Do
not apply an alkyd (oil-based) paint directly to galvanized
metal.
Aluminum: Older, factory
finished aluminum is susceptible to heavy chalking and erosion
which, in severe cases, can expose bare metal and lead to
the formation of unsightly white oxidation. If surface oxidation
is already present, use a non-metallic scouring pad to remove
it. Then scrub with soapy water, or power wash to remove dust,
loose paint, dirt and chalk; rinse the surface clean. Before
painting, apply a corrosion-resistant acrylic latex primer
to areas of exposed metal, and finish with a coat of top quality
acrylic latex paint.
For
more information on paints and painting, visit the Paint Quality
Institute Web site at www.paintquality.com.
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