Metal

Previously Painted/Sound & Continuous/To Be Painted

a. Surface Preparation:

• treat any mildew with a 3:1 water:household bleach mixture, leaving it on for 20 minutes and adding more as it dries; wear eye and skin protection; rinse thoroughly
  
• if any rust is evident, remove as much as possible by wire brushing; wear eye protection, dust mask and work gloves
  
• remove dirt, chalk, treated mildew, loosened rust, etc. by scrubbing with detergent and water, and rinse thoroughly; or power wash with plain water

b. Priming:

• priming generally is not necessary if there is no sign of rust or other corrosion, and all dirt and chalk is removed as part of surface preparation
  
• if there is rust or other corrosion evident, apply a latex or oil-based exterior corrosion inhibitive primer after preparing the surface, covering the entire area
  
• use oil-based primer if old coating is built-up of oil-based paint
  
• for copper, brass or other copper-containing alloys, use only a primer recommended for these materials, or discoloration of the finish coat may occur

c. Painting:

• use top-of-the-line exterior 100% acrylic latex house paint in flat, satin, semi-gloss or gloss finish (depending on appearance desired) that is recommended for primed or painted metal of the type you are doing
  
• direct-to-metal (DTM) gloss latex products may be used for ferrous metals, following manufacturer’s directions closely, with or without primer; but best results will be obtained using a metal primer
  
• use an oil-based paint if old coating is built-up of oil-based paint