Painting Sheet Metal

Acrylic latex paint like most types of metal surfaces sheet aluminum is hard slick and nonporous.

Painting sheet metal.

The acid in the vinegar will act to etch the metal and help the paint adhere. Sheet aluminum must be pre treated through abrasion to help encourage it to accept paint. This makes it highly resistant to paint adhesion. Hold the spray paint can 12 to 24 inches 30 4 to 60 9 cm from the surface.

Once the metal has dried dampen a cloth with white vinegar and wipe the surface down. For best results keep the can parallel to the sheet metal surface and spray in a back and forth motion over the surface. Apply spray paint to the sheet metal. Spray in a quick smooth and even pattern until the surface is covered.

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. 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. No rust remained after wire brushing it then top it with a water or oil based interior exterior rust preventative metal primer available for. Before painting shiny sheet metal abrade it with fine sandpaper or steel.

To properly prepare new metal surfaces use mineral spirits to remove grease and apply a rust inhibitive primer before painting. 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. Large cans may be the most cost effective option when painting large linear metal objects such as fences and backsplashes but spray paints e g rust oleum hammered metal finish spray 8 74 for. Wear gloves and a dust mask while you work.

If painting over lightly rusted or bare metal i e. All you have to do is simply apply the vinegar to a clean rag and then wipe down the galvanized surface. Paint can add a custom look to almost anything but it won t properly adhere to a smooth metal surface without preparation. Choose a type of paint you may or may not need to prime the surface depending on the type of paint you choose.

Painted sheet metal gives any roofing project a highly customized look without sacrificing durability and performance.