Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 02, 1999 12:41am | #1

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   I want to do basically the same -- paint an old chain link fence in good condition. Scrub old old rust, maybe clean with paint thinner, then apply oil primer or Rustoleum (which is basically colored oil primer).

2. 
   Rick_Maness | Jul 02, 1999 01:46am | #2

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   I have used primer from an auto supply place. Dupont has an automotive-type primer that is for aluminum and galvanized. If I remember right, it is green.

   RTBE

3. 
   Guest_ | Jul 02, 1999 04:46am | #3

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   I've only done this once, painting some galvanized steel gutters. The guy at the paint store said to use the same exterior latex that I was painting the wood siding with. No primer. Sounded strange to me, but I did it. One year later, it still looks good.

   Rich Beckman

4. 
   G.LaLonde | Jul 02, 1999 04:18pm | #4

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   Are there only artists and no painters out there??

5. 
   Guest_ | Jul 07, 1999 10:04pm | #5

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   Just completed a gutter job, here's the drill:

   First, power wash the gutters, to get rid of all the cr*p.

   Next, go to Home Depot and buy some "Gal Prep". It is in a clear quart bottle, and the liquid is green. It will cost you about $8. Spread that stuff on the metal per the directions. The gal prep etches the metal and will turn it black or grey.

   The next morning, apply an OIL base primer. Two coats. Apply a latex top coat over that.

   You can also use vinegar. To do this, apply a coat of vinegar over the metal using a brush or sponge. The next morning, rinse the metal well and go over the metal with a rag to remove the residue of the vinegar. These are little crumbles of residue, that will play hell with your paint if they are present. You may want two coats of vinegar. After the metal is etched, rinse it off well, and wipe it down to remove all those crumbles. The crumbles, by the way, will congeal water based paint, both on the surface of the metal and in your brush, basically destroying the brush, and making the paint turn into little grains of solid paint, which will need to be sanded down, a real pain in the *ss. So rinse it well, and wipe it down smooth!

   Then apply either a water based or oil based primer and top coat as ususal.

   Hope this helps.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 07, 1999 10:20pm | #6

   *Scooter has the right idea, though you could get even more technical about it. As an architect I have seen big problems arise when we've tried to paint galvanized metal. It is not often done because no one will guarantee the work over time. Basically you want to clean it, pickle it, then paint it really well. For seriously expert advice on this difficult process, call a local company that does galvanizing. You can also call Tnemic Paint company somewhere near Georgia (get their 800 number) they make two part industrial paints and will try to sell you their paint. Play along with them just to get the technical education they'll provide to learn about the challenging chemical problems in this process.gg

6. 
   G.LaLonde | Jul 08, 1999 03:51am | #7

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   Thanks guys!!

1. 
   D_Lauer | Jul 08, 1999 09:12am | #8

   *I have never seen a process for painting galvanized steel in print but know from experience that it must be etched for some "bite",so the paint will adhere.The vinegar may do the trick if done several times but muratic acid (a mild solution of hydrochloric acid) will work faster.Etching with muratic acid is what the sheet metal workers out at work use to prepare galvanized steel when they need to join pieces by soldering. Muratic acid is avalaible at most home improvement stores. Good Luck Don

7. 
   G.LaLonde | Jul 08, 1999 09:12am | #9

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   Could someone tell me the best method and materials to use for painting galvanized sheet metal that is outdoors and has been exposed to the weather for about 10 years. I want to save it from corrosion and also make it look better. What do I have to do to prep it and what kind of primer/paint should I use?