Painting metal surfaces can be a daunting task. There are many different aspects which can make it difficult to get right. The last thing you need is a dodgy job you need to re-do in a couple of years time. The best way to avoid this is to understand the metal and its properties before any work commences.
There are two types of metal which are ferrous and non-ferrous. The difference between them is that ferrous metals contain iron and non-ferrous do not. Iron causes metals to rust which in turn affects any paint applied. A rust inhibitor can be applied prior to painting which can prime and create a barrier. It won’t stop all water from reaching the metal surface but will give it a considerably better chance at avoiding moisture contact.
The hardest metals to paint are galvanized ferrous metals. A thin layer of zinc coats them which is then also covered by an oil layer. If it I not eliminated before painting it results in the paint peeling away from the metal. Two ways to avoid this situation are to either remove the layer or applying a latex coat.
The first step to painting an ungalvanized ferrous metal should be cleaning the surface. Any slight rusting left can cause further damage down the track. The best way to do this is by sanding, scraping or applying an acidic solution that can dissolve rust. The next steps are priming and painting with latex paint.
It is a good idea to weather non-ferrous metals before painting because of their factory coatings. Generally, when dealing with aluminium, a latex top coat should be used.
Differentiating your surfaces makes all the difference. If you have any questions feel free to contact us.
