Painting EMT conduit

[2glock40s]

First I'll say that I'm at work and cheating so I didn't do a search. Secondly, if this is in the wrong area I appologize.

We are selling our house and this weekend at a cookout there I leaned back in a deck chair and poked a nice hole in a deck board that I discovered was rotted. I knew the deck had some rough spots and was planning on replacing those. The deck is 6x6 posts with 2x8 rail. The balusters are 2x4s. I want to replace the rail and balusters. Lowes has aluminum balusters for like $25 for 10. My deck is 14x20 and I need about 120 balusters. I decided to use EMT conduit. 10' is $1.95 and I can get 4 29" balusters out of each section. I plan on peeling the label off and removing the goo, using a degreaser to wash the grease and oil off, letting it air dry, using self etching primer and then covering with Rustoleum enamel. Does this sound right or can I just rub some sandpaper on it, wipe it then paint? Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Automatic Slim]

Usually not, as scuffs and scratches quickly show through and look bad. Most people stain conduit w/ the clear primer w/ dye and brush on with applicator - however, time consuming and getting consistent results can be a challenge.

There are several companies that make deck ballisters that give a contractor package deal at an approx. rate $1.20 per bal.

$0.02

 

[rlitman]

EMT is galvanized. The zinc will not work well with an etching primer, or Rustoleum outdoors. I would expect peeling.

I've seen lots of EMT painted with latex indoors, and it seems to be fine. Not sure how that would work outdoors. Latex over bare steel is a bad idea, so I would expect rust to flash through at the ends, etc. This is especially bad, because if you're burying the balusters in pressure treated wood, the new ACQ wood out there is highly corrosive.

I would paint it with the zinc paint that's often used on chain link fence.

 

[Automatic Slim]

I'm an

disregard above statement.....

 

[ed_h]

There is a product called "Galvaprep" that is an etchant and paint prep for galvanized. You can probably find it at a paint store.