Painting metal columns

[Rubberdown]

Hey. I have some raw metal columns/posts I built for my mezzanine I’m building in my shop. What do y’all use for primer and paint for something like this. Prefer brush on, and easily touched up.

Thanks

Ryab

 

[GrayFlattop]

I have had good results with good ol' Rustoleum for steel columns.

 

[Shiftless]

I used DTM (direct to metal) paint that I got at my friendly neighborhood Benjamin Moore store,
I had some custom steel posts fabricated by a local welder that went outside on my deck to hold up a shade sail. The surface has to be clean and oil free. I wiped with acetone and applied 3 coats of the DTM. 10 years later it is a bit faded but no other problems. I should scuff up the surface and reapply some day. It is acrylic so It’s easy water clean up and it dried quickly.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Any good quality primer and enamel paint should work. Make sure the column is clean, and possibly go over it with sandpaper to provide a 'tooth' for the primer to adhere properly.