painting galvanized sheet metal

[nbpt100]

I have read you can not paint galvanized sheet metal with conventional spray paint. I have always trusted this to be true and never tried. I want to paint a small piece of Galvanized sheet metal red for aesthetic reasons. It is not fussy. Am I wasting my time using a conventional Rustoleum or Krylon primer and enamel top coat? Is there some kind of practical hack to get around any adhesion issues?

 

[Bogie1632]

Yes, it will be a waste of time. It likely won't last as long as you'd like. Galvanized needs some extra prep to clean the surface and a primer made for galvanized metal. First, zinc does rust. That needs cleaned off. Second, use a water based degreaser. Prime with an acrylic primer and you should be good for a top coat. Sherwin William's had some good info on galvanized metal painting so I'd recommend looking in to that and avoid the spray cans.

Good luck.

V/R
Bogie

 

[HMCFab9]

I think you can wash it with vinegar (or some other chemical) & paint will stick to it well.
I normally use an epoxy primer before any other topcoat.

 

[danski0224]

You don't have to remove the galvanizing material.

There are many primers available specifically for galvanized steel. It's a non issue.

 

[kwb]

Pretreatment (vinegar) is going to be needed if it has been more than a few days since the metal was galvanized.

 

[Monza Harry]

I have a 1L can of primer for galvanized steel, but it appears that it is now available in a spray can at Canadian Tire, (sorry my search engine does Canada first, but if we have it the greater 49 will have it or something better), and my can states to wash first with TSP and then spray when the washing process is complete and dry, but then warns to not use any paints with strong solvents [No Lacquer]. You should be good if you find an "Associate" with a decent grasp of their department to help, and then follow the directions. Harry
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/...cQssIwS3xoCc68QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#store=121

 

[racer-john]

" find an "Associate" with a decent grasp of their department".
We don't have any of those in Newmarket.

 

[nbpt100]

" find an "Associate" with a decent grasp of their department".
We don't have any of those in Newmarket.

That is a challenge in any large store.......sorry in advance to those few handful who know their job and department well.