Whether it’s a door, fence or decorative piece, chances are if you’re a DIY painter, at some point or another you’ve wondered if you can paint a metal object. Well painters, there’s a pretty easy answer to that question: if it’s not insanely rusted, you most definitely can – and it’s not all that hard!
Though painting metal is a bit different than painting more porous surfaces like wood, the steps to doing so really aren’t that different or complicated. In fact, some parts of the process are actually easier than with wood. Follow this guide, and your touch-ups and metal projects will come out lookin’ right as rain.
What You’ll Need
A mask (one that’s good for sandpapered paint as well as toxic paint, for good measure)
A wire brush
A wet cloth
Sandpaper
Anti-corrosive metal primer (zinc-chromate primer for rusted metal)
Latex paint
Bleach (optional, if your metal has mold on it)
The Process for Painting Metal
1. Using your metal brush, clean any dirt and other build-up from your metal item, if there is any. This is also the point where you’ll want to peel off any flaking or loose paint, because leaving it can cause your new coat of paint to bubble or come off.
2. Clean the object to be painted with your wet cloth. If there’s mildew or mold or other organic build-up, use the bleach, which should take these substances off easily. You want a clean surface so that the paint applies as smoothly as possible and bonds nicely.
3. With mask on, sand the surface down evenly across the whole object. What this does is two-fold: it evens the surface and, more importantly, it roughs it up. This lets the paint apply smoother and stick better in the long run, meaning your paint job will last longer and look much better.
4. With your mask still on, apply the primer, either with a brush (if canned) or spray it on if you have a spray. Do this thickly and evenly.
5. Let this dry fully (can take up to a day), then repeat step 4. The (kinda obvious) problem with metal objects is that they can rust; painting the primer on twice and thickly will help cut down on the chances of this happening immensely.
6. Once the second coat of primer has dried, put your mask back on and apply your paint evenly. Again, this will probably be either with brush or spray can. Use a thin, even coat.
7. Let this dry, then repeat. Continue to repeat steps #6 and #7 until you’re happy with the thickness and overall color.
8. Enjoy your perfectly painted metal object!
Pretty darn easy, if we do say so ourselves! If you weren’t thinking about painting anything metal until this tutorial, but are now interested, some great ideas include:
• Patio furniture
• Light fixtures
• Rusting antique objects like car parts
When sealed up with primer and paint, these can make quirky, gorgeous decorations for your outdoor or indoor space. Happy painting!
Original Source: https://paintedbyprestige.com/diy/yes-you-can-paint-that-metal-tips-for-painting-on-metallic-surfaces
Image Source: Contemporaryartbychristine
