New to me barn looking for advice.

[CEC]

Long time reader first time poster. I recently moved and was able to buy an old house with acreage with a huge barn, which is something I have always wanted. Below are the pictures of the barn. I have plenty of cleaning and setting up do to on the interior. My question for the Forum is what do I do with the exterior. It is somewhat hideous on the exterior. It is mostly galvanized steel with one side having white vinyl. I am looking for ideas, comments and suggestions. It doesn't need to super fancy but what are my options with such a large galvanized barn. This barn has been neglected for many years.

 

[j p smith]

Pictures? ? You might want to start with an overall assesment of the condition and stability.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Pressure wash and spray paint white.

 

[fflintstone]

Pressure wash and spray paint white.

White for the roof only! or just spray galvanize coat over any rust.
Barns have to be a color! Red is always a good choice.

 

[Zeke]

I wonder if there is such a thing as too much room?

 

[CEC]

Zeke. Yes this barn is borderline on too much room. I didn't tell the entire story in my first post. This barn was once a technical school for wood working, metal shop, mechanics etc. It is about 8,000 sq ft. More then I need but hey it is there and already built. Luckily it was built very well and has some nice features like compressed air is plumbed throughout the entire building. Hopefully I can tidy it up and make it my dream garage/workshop.

 

[CEC]

fflinstone you have the right idea. That is exactly what I was picturing. A red barn with white roof. I have been trying to research paint for galvanized metal and get a lot of differing thoughts. Luckily all the metal is in good condition it is just plane and dull. Any tips on painting galvanized steel?

 

[HAY YOU]

nice looking barn, any pics of inside?

 

[geotek]

Scrap off the loose rust, rustoleum white roof and red sides.

 

[AHotRod]

What a killer barn! ...... I'd leave it like it is on the outside so as not to attract snoops.

 

[OHSCrifle]

Any tips on painting galvanized steel?

I would address any rusted spots, even replace panels if necessary, and let it continue to weather. Otherwise, you will spend a holy fortune painting that big shed, and then continuing to paint it.

If you are truly interested in painting it, Sherwin Wlliams DTM primers for galvanized steel or zinc rich materials are one direction you could go. Most important is getting any rust GONE before you coat with anything. The "tin worm" cannot be hidden, it has to be removed.. Unless, that is, you get into mystery chemistry products like POR15.

Here is a sample DTM primer: http://protective.sherwin-williams.com/detail.jsp?A=sku-26000:product-6787

 

[timbitca]

Wow! Beautiful old barn!

 

[GJoustra]

Wow! Can't wait to see the inside and all over, take lots of pictures!

 

[-Brent-]

Wow, 8,000 square feet - hopefully it already has concrete flooring throughout. I love the overall shape of the building.

Concerning the exterior, if it were me, I'd clean the walls, as mentioned, remove the vinyl siding and replace it with more metal siding. Then, I'd buy a used sprayer and rent a scissor lift and paint the exterior. It would look great barn red.

Then, I'd make up a couple barn quilts and mount them up.

I can't wait to see what you make of it. Congrats on such a great project.

 

[astroracer]

Need to get your pictures fixed. All I see is red x's

 

[Mr. 360]

Love the space, that's huge! should be a great shop.

As much as I like the red and white combo, my vote would be to just leave it as is (paint is mighty expensive on that scale), and play up on it's character. Maybe get some big old steel signs for the front or build in a few large wooden carriage doors (i'm talkin like 12'x16' in the middle). Punch a few more windows in for natural light in that raised area (assuming it's open to the inside), and maybe add some windows across the front. It looks circa 1940 to me, that'd probably be the style I'd go with. Possibly toss in some old enamel green gooseneck lights too.. kinda like the quick sketch.

View media item 35246

 

[officer]

Love the drawing,I wish I had the talent to do that!
Looks like a cost effective way to upgrade.

 

[Kevin54]

Shoot, I in for any updates. Only three postings and he started this back in May. Someone knock on his door and wake him up!!!!

 

[jonlb]

Do you have any interior pictures?

 

[cubicle]

What a cool property! Looking forward to seeing the progress shots.

 

[ThreeJ97]

Awesome....That place is huge, we need more pictures.