How To Prep Sheet Metal For Paint

The first step is to clean off loose rust and flaking paint and then apply a rust inhibitive primer.

How to prep sheet metal for paint. The acid in the vinegar will act to etch the metal and help the paint adhere. Here a powder free latex glove protects the clean primer as we feel the steel. For large flat surfaces use a sanding block to get even pressure. See all 28 photos.

Once the metal has dried dampen a cloth with white vinegar and wipe the surface down. With the rust removed sand the entire surface to smooth out uneven areas and dull the surface so the primer and paint can adhere. However badly rusted metal areas need more prep work and possibly a special primer. Invest in a rust inhibiting metal spray paint and spray primer.

Zinc helps prevent rust from developing in the future. The disk is smoother and will not eat into the metal surface allowing you to give the metal a good sanding until all the material is gone and the surface is nice and clean. As soon as the top layers of old paint or material are gone switch up to a higher finer grit. Start with 120 grit sandpaper and work to finer grade sandpapers ending with 320 grit.

Choose a type of paint. Purchase products that are labeled for metal and contain a zinc additive. You don t need to get down to bare shiny metal just clean off the flakes and powdery surface rust that prevent paint from adhering. Black in color ppg dp90lf does help us to see imperfections but we can t see them all.

Consider finishing off the sanding with a 200 grit sanding disk. All you have to do is simply apply the vinegar to a clean rag and then wipe down the galvanized surface. 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. Use a light gray primer for a light final paint color and a black primer for a darker final color.

The armor and bumpers come unfinished and will need to. The acidity of the vinegar will react with the metal treating the surface to promote paint adhesion. To properly prepare new metal surfaces use mineral spirits to remove grease and apply a rust inhibitive primer before painting.