Paint suggestions for Simpson Strong-Tie products?

[Colin Len]

I'll be replacing 4 old aluminum posts holding up the roof over my front porch with 4x6 posts. I'll be using Simpson post bases (probably ABW46Z or ABA46Z) but would like to paint them before install as IMO the bare zinc color looks "unfinished". My painter suggested Behr like we'll use for the rest of the exterior but I'm doubting the adhesion and durability for this application. Of course my doubt is pure speculation as I don't have any experience with this sorta stuff.

A couple additional thoughts:
- I'd prefer powder coating but I don't think I have the time to send it out, plus it may be more than I'm looking to spend.
- I'll also be building a rear patio cover soon and whatever method I find now I'll probably use for the next project too.
- We're probably going to use a neutral color for the bases (black, white, gray, or possibly a brown to try and blend with the color of the wood posts) so it doesn't need to be a custom color match or anything like that.

Does anyone have any suggestions for types of paint to use and/or methods for prepping galvanized surfaces?

 

[rustyjames]

I would use something like Rustoleum in a rattle can. Make sure you use their primer that's recommended for use on zinc. Clean the parts with what they recommend, or something like lacquer thinner, acetone, etc.

 

[Colin Len]

I would use something like Rustoleum in a rattle can. Make sure you use their primer that's recommended for use on zinc. Clean the parts with what they recommend, or something like lacquer thinner, acetone, etc.

Thanks! I did not know they made a primer for zinc. After some searching I came across a couple suggestions to soak them or wipe them down with vinegar to clean off the surface and give it a bit of an etch.

 

[Rrumbler]

I was going to suggest the vinegar thing, too; scrub them with white vinegar and a medium coarse ScotchBrite pad, wash and dry well, prime with the recommended primer for your top coat, and paint a couple of coats or more.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Call/email Rustoleum. Usually there is some kind of oily finish on them and I don't think vinegar will remove it.

 

[ishiboo]

Are your posts going to be PT wood?

 

[drmarkr]

This, followed by your choice of paint....

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ole...f-Etching-Primer-Spray-Paint-249322/202097278

 

[Colin Len]

Thanks everyone, looks like Rustoleum is gonna be the way to go.

Are your posts going to be PT wood?

No, I'm planning on using 4x6 smooth redwood with a sealer. We want the posts to be unpainted to show off the color of the wood. The top of the porch is about 1.5' above grade and I'll be using those post bases with 1" spacing off the concrete so there shouldn't be any concerns about moisture.

 

[fastsvo]

I am about to venture on the same task. Would like to ask the OP how its held up all this time? Which exact paint was used?


TIA

 

[sberry]

Would wipe them down and scuff with a purple brite and spray them color with a can. That galve is the best primer you could get.

 

[tinmanwpk]

We are a sheet metal fabricator. On galvanized definitely clean with some chemicals, spray with cold galvanizing primer then the topcoat of choice.

 

[fastsvo]

We are a sheet metal fabricator. On galvanized definitely clean with some chemicals, spray with cold galvanizing primer then the topcoat of choice.

Is that rustoleum prime and etch rattle can the correct one to use?


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[Dumber than lumber]

Etching primer followed by Hammerite

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

I am about to venture on the same task. Would like to ask the OP how its held up all this time? Which exact paint was used?

Why go through all that with minimal performance. Simpson does make a "concealed" fastener that looks a whole better than those that the OP was considering. And they comply with current requirements for load/lift and lateral movement.

https://www.whitecap.com/simpson-st...l-concealed-post-base-116038#CPT44Z-137CPT44Z

 

[fastsvo]

I’m using a different set of brackets .


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[nadogail]

IMHO, Zinc Chromate Primer will not be appropriate.

 

[Colin Len]

I am about to venture on the same task. Would like to ask the OP how its held up all this time? Which exact paint was used?

See Below.

Why go through all that with minimal performance. Simpson does make a "concealed" fastener that looks a whole better than those that the OP was considering. And they comply with current requirements for load/lift and lateral movement.

https://www.whitecap.com/simpson-st...l-concealed-post-base-116038#CPT44Z-137CPT44Z

Beat me to it! After this post, and additional research, I found this exact product which you linked to and opted to use it instead of the post bases listed in my original post. A bit more expensive but well worth it for a much, much cleaner looking installation.

 

[strutaeng]

I've used Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 with good success on galvanized stuff, including Simpson hardware. https://www.rustoleum.com/~/media/D...1_Bulls_Eye_1-2-3_Water-based_Primer_TDS.ashx

On the regular oil Rustoleum the TDS specifically say not to use directly over unprepared galvanized steel.

However, on my front porch Simpson base plates I just left them as is.

 

[fastsvo]

I picked up a can of this stuff. Good?

I’ll prep the metal, use this as my primer and top coat with the same paint used on the patio wood.




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[fastsvo]

The result.

Overall it worked well, but it does kinda scratch off easily. Should I consider an additional coat of traditional primer before paint?


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[Stuart in MN]

No matter what paint you use, I think leaving the Simpson post base exposed is going to be kind of an unfinished look...I'd get a piece of pressure treated 1x4, and build a little 'baseboard' around the bottom of the post to cover it up. Maybe even use a router to put a decorative edge on the 1x4.

You can even buy pre-made post base trim that's made of PVC, but I don't know if they have those for 4x6 posts.

 

[fastsvo]

This is going on a pergola, so it will be mostly out of sight.


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[dcg9381]

Powder coat is great, but it can chip.
I've had good luck with 2-part (catalytic) epoxy paints. That'd be my go to. I've got a steel post deck and we the bases and where they are welded to the plates in epoxy.

I've used Behr for metal - it's definitely not what you want. It's about the same as single coat rustoleum in a can. My posts deck posts are done with this now - it's OK for temporary protection, but not what you want long term... As an interior non-UV, no weather paint - it's fine, but I don't trust it for exterior.


I have a family member that does high end wood and steel work - the product he's settled on is POLANE® T Polyurethane by Sherwin Williams. It's a catalytic paint. I'd trust his recommendation - he's used it on metal frames for some of his steel buildings.

 

[Zmann]

I have painted plenty of Galvanized hangers while painting houses
i think your painter was right, since I have had the opportunity to see some of these every day for years, and they held up fine

My painter suggested Behr like we'll use for the rest of the exterior

but then again I would try and trim it out for even greater aesthetics
exposed basic type hangers are not appealing IMO