Replies

1. 
   DANL | Jun 20, 2005 04:35am | #1

   I've heard that etching the galvanized somehow (like with vinegar) will help the paint stick. I would ask at a reputable paint store (not a place like Lowes, but a real paint store). I think an oil based metal primer would be best, then maybe latex, but again, I would ask someone who knows at a good paint store. Doesn't seem to me to be a good idea to use something water based on metal.

2. 
   maddog3 | Jun 22, 2005 05:22pm | #2

   Hi Ron,

   I used to weld and fabricate using mainly 1/4 and 3/8 steel , after the welds would cool down I would spray this stuff all over, & no paint . http://www.zrcworldwide.com/galds.htm

   3 years later the welds are still protected ! it might do the trick for you as a base

   maddog

1. 
   Ron4478 | Jun 22, 2005 09:03pm | #3

    I must have missed something, but what "stuff" did you spray on the metal?

1. 
   maddog3 | Jun 22, 2005 10:17pm | #4

   the stuff in the link I sent you, it came in an aerosol at the time, I am sure there are other primers out there but, more galv. can't hurt. You might also need to rub the gutters with some steel wool to make them shiny before you prime. maddog

   Edited 6/22/2005 3:54 pm ET by maddog

3. 
   Dave45 | Jul 17, 2005 04:31pm | #5

   I've had good luck painting galvanized metal by giving it a good cleaning with TSP then spraying it with a good metal primer (e.g. Rustoleum) and paint.

   You probably should have done this before the gutters were installed - lol.

1. 
   Ron4478 | Jul 17, 2005 05:46pm | #6

   Thanks for you input. It was only the down spouts that needed paint. The main runs were done before installation. I ended up removing the down spouts, using a acid wash cleaner to clean them, then priming and painting. They look great so far. We will see after a few years if the finish holds up.