Paint is known for its versatility. With its versatility, it can be used for various surfaces such as wood and metal. Paints are intended to yield an even finish to metal surfaces. However there are lots of things to consider in painting metal surfaces. From choosing the appropriate painting too intended for metals to painting the surfaces- it is essential that you have an idea on how to deal with steel, aluminum and other metal surfaces.
Painting steel surfaces
There’s nothing you have to worry if there are metal stuffs at your home that needs to be painted, because steel compared with other metal surface is easier to paint. All you have to consider the following.
Before painting the steel, start the prepping. It is very important to eliminate the impurities into the surface. Sand the stuff to be painted. You can buy a grit sand paper from the nearest hardware store. The sandpaper will agitate the old finish of the steel. Scratch them thoroughly until such time that all the current paints are removed from the surface.
After sanding the steel, let it dry. After ensuring that the item is completely dry, use an etch primer. Use a paint sprayer and trigger the gun toward the surface with a single coat.
Paint the steel. For a rule of a thumb, opt for 2-3 coating.
Painting aluminum surfaces
In contrast with steel surfaces, aluminum is harder to paint because it is very picky. This is because corrosion can occur if aluminum is combined with other metals especially the steel. That’s why before working with aluminum painting jobs, make sure that there are no signs of steel in the working area. Aluminum surfaces are also particular when it comes to sand paper. Plus there is need for metal conversion.
Sand the aluminum surface to remove the current coats. After removing all the elements that can prevent smooth and even distribution of paint, the next thing that you have to do is to prepare for a conversion coating. It is a liquid that is specially intended to be applied for metals surfaces. You can use a sprayer to apply the conversion coating into the aluminum surface. After applying the liquid, wash the item thoroughly with water.
After sanding and applying the conversion coating, prepare the necessary primer and paints. You can use two to three regular primer coats. The primer will then track between the coatings. Take note of one thing. You should only use primers and paints that are specially designed for metal surfaces. You can also opt for spray cans that are available in many hardware markets.
Subject the aluminum to wet sanding. The purpose of wet sanding is to produce a smoother surface ready for the painting. You should bear in mind that sanding alone cannot eliminate all the unwanted elements in the item.
After drying the item, you can now apply the paint to the aluminum surface. Make sure that paints for wood and metals are different.
Painting Galvanized Iron
Galvanized iron is commonly used for roofs. It is therefore very essential to opt for maximum paining efficiency to these stuffs. Here are tips in painting galvanized iron.
Before painting galvanized iron, there is one thing that you have to keep in mind- use the correct paint and primer. Otherwise painting them is totally useless. If you are looking for exterior coating for galvanized iron, you should look for water-based primers.
Let the primer dry. After ensuring that is completely dry, apply the paint. It is advisable to use paint brushes for painting galvanized iron. As to the type of paints, you can choose between water and oil-based galvanized iron paint.
Painting Copper plates
The first thing that you have to do is to agitate the plastic sealant of the copper. By using fine sandpaper, make the surface as smooth as possible. After the item is completely sanded, wash the surface by using a denatured alcohol.
Once the copper plate is already clean, remove all specs of dirt. Place the copper into the painting area. Now how to etch copper? You can use a garlic juice. The purpose of etching the copper plate with garlic juice is to produce a chemical combination.
Priming is also included in the process of painting copper plates. It is usually done by applying dual oil-based coats into the copper surface. Make the coatings as smooth as possible. One of the effective means that professional painter do when painting copper plate is by using sandpaper and oil
If you have metals at home that needs to be painted, mind well. Inadequate knowledge on painting them can create tons of hassle. Discern not only the right paint and painting tools but you should also allocate enough time to consider the ideal methodologies with a certain types of metal.
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