Paint for structural steel

[isaac338]

The steel for my garage beam project is being delivered hopefully Wednesday; the supplier primes it at their shop and as such I would assume it's expected to be painted to prevent rust and such.

I've painted some stuff with Tremclad (Rustoleum) before, and it took eons to dry. Anyone have a line on some cheap paint that I can paint all this junk with that will dry quick enough we can install all the steel that evening?

Also, any suggestions for color? I was thinking yellow because this beam will hang down 10" from my 8' ceilings, but it might be a little much. The garage interior is just wood, no paint.

 

[spy604]

Ive found the rustoleum red oxide primer dries really quick (when sprayed). I painted a few 25' beams and by the time i finished a beam, the other end was already dry.

 

[boiler7904]

Have the supplier tell you what their primer is so that can find a compatible paint. No point going through the hassle of painting if it isn't going to stick to the primer. As far as color goes, I'd do something that contrasts with your eventual plans for the ceiling since it is so low.

 

[isaac338]

Good call on asking the supplier. No plans for the ceiling - it's covered in lights on one side, and the other side is mostly open space.

 

[cabriolet]

I agree^^^^^. Ask the fabricator what he used for primer and who his supplier is. Call the supplier and get the correct paint and color of your choice. Most primers for steel, at least in my area, are compatabile with about everything. The standard primer we use is compatabile with everything including epoxies. Also, the paint you get from the supplier will be an industrial quality paint and typically is of very high quality

 

[cabriolet]

You also might think about not painting it till it is installed. Paint jobs typically get messed up a lot during installation. Also a lot of steel that is primed never gets painted..

 

[isaac338]

You also might think about not painting it till it is installed. Paint jobs typically get messed up a lot during installation. Also a lot of steel that is primed never gets painted..

I am considering that also. I will at least paint the top before installation because afterwards it'll be butted up against the upstairs floor joists.

 

[johno]

I had a steel framed deck on my house and used a BM product, can't remember what iot was called , but it was for steel and could be tinted just about any color, I think it was a alkyd enamel.

Pale green/grey is a good color, not too dark or too bright, course thats my opinion.

 

[camarotoolman]

Put a wanted to buy on craigs list maybe you can score some cheap paint.

 

[nehog]

I'd agree: erect the steel, then paint it. After painting then do the other siding, roof, etc. (I'm guessing a steel building...)

You'll probably have a few accidents, so some touch up work when done, but should not be too bad.

 

[Zeke]

Never hurts to spread a coat while the steel is on horses. Sure, it gets nicked up, but you don't have to paint 100% of it in the air. Plus, the top side gets painted.

 

[bdkruger1]

Waiting to paint it till it's up would be sheer foolishness, IMHO. Not only will you get a coat on top, but it's a heck of a lot easier to touch up a few nicks from erection than it is to paint the whole thing once it's up.

 

[buening]

Waiting to paint it till it's up would be sheer foolishness, IMHO. Not only will you get a coat on top, but it's a heck of a lot easier to touch up a few nicks from erection than it is to paint the whole thing once it's up.

+1 Depending on where you get your steel, sometimes you can order it already shop painted. That is a tougher paint than what you can buy as a consumer. It doesn't come free though