Painting Sheet Metal

Keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe away paint dust and rust particles periodically while you work.

Painting sheet metal. The acid in the vinegar will act to etch the metal and help the paint adhere. Acrylic latex paint like most types of metal surfaces sheet aluminum is hard slick and nonporous. Working around paint and rust particles can be harmful so choose a well ventilated area where you can put a drop sheet down underneath your metal project. Painted sheet metal gives any roofing project a highly customized look without sacrificing durability and performance.

To properly prepare new metal surfaces use mineral spirits to remove grease and apply a rust inhibitive primer before painting. The acidity of the vinegar will react with the metal treating the surface to promote paint adhesion. Hold the spray paint can 12 to 24 inches 30 4 to 60 9 cm from the surface. Apply spray paint to the sheet metal.

If painting over lightly rusted or bare metal i e. Wear gloves and a dust mask while you work. Paint can add a custom look to almost anything but it won t properly adhere to a smooth metal surface without preparation. Before painting shiny sheet metal abrade it with fine sandpaper or steel.

For painted surfaces that are in sound condition remove dust with a clean dry cloth de gloss the surface with light sanding and wipe with mineral spirits to ensure good adhesion. This makes it highly resistant to paint adhesion. Once the metal has dried dampen a cloth with white vinegar and wipe the surface down. On older galvanized metal surfaces where the zinc coating has begun breaking down known as white rust use a wire brush or fine sandpaper to remove the chalky film before cleaning it.

Both steel and aluminum sheet metal can be painted to your customer s specifications. No rust remained after wire brushing it then top it with a water or oil based interior exterior rust preventative metal primer available for. Spray in a quick smooth and even pattern until the surface is covered. Choose a type of paint you may or may not need to prime the surface depending on the type of paint you choose.

For best results keep the can parallel to the sheet metal surface and spray in a back and forth motion over the surface.