Galvanized steel is durable but susceptible to corrosion. Proper cleaning and painting with spray, hand, or powder coating methods can prevent wear. Surface must be cleaned and primed before painting. Hand painting is recommended for larger jobs, while powder coating provides a protective buffer against corrosion.
Galvanized steel is one of the most durable metals on the market and is used for everything from industrial structures to playground swing sets. One of its major drawbacks, however, is its susceptibility to corrosion. Fortunately, proper cleaning and painting of galvanized steel will keep the metal from wearing out. Professionals use three different methods of applying corrosion protection to steel: spray painting, hand painting, and powder coating.
Before applying a drop of paint in any form, every steel surface must be properly cleaned. The first step, whether the metal is corroded or brand new, is to sand it with a coarse sandpaper. Apply pressure until any bumps or irregularities are removed. Afterwards, clean the entire surface with soap and water and rinse, allowing the metal to dry completely. Finally, buy a primer for galvanized metal and apply it to the entire surface.
With this preparation, any of three techniques can be used for painting galvanized steel. The most popular method for a small project, like a swing set, is to spray paint the surface. There are several commercial paints, in many different colors, available for this job at painting supply stores. Just spray the paint evenly over the surface until it dries. If streaks or streaks appear, sand them down and reapply the paint until smooth.
Larger jobs, such as railings and walkways constructed from galvanized metal, require hand painting. Professionals recommend polyurethane, epoxy, or enamel paints to best protect against corrosion. Using a brush or roller, apply the paint in even strokes to cover every aspect of the exposed steel. Painting galvanized steel by hand usually protects the metal from the elements better than spray painting because the coating is thicker and more resistant to the elements.
A third method for painting galvanized steel, usually reserved for large jobs, is called powder coating. The first step in powder coating is to apply a layer of zinc to the entire metal surface. This application provides a protective buffer against time and temperature, so the metal does not corrode easily. The second stage of this process is to blow a powder onto the zinc until it covers the entire surface of the metal and then heat induce it. The curing process bonds the powder to the metal and also brings out the chosen color of the powder.
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