Welding prep question

[bluedog225]

Good afternoon,

I’m going to start prepping a bunch of steel for a balcony. I’d like to do this prep myself to make sure there is a good, clean, welding surface. Taking it down to white steel. Additionally, much of the steel is hot dipped galvanized. I’ll also be cutting to size, drilling, etc to get it ready.

This structure is 15 feet up and will require a crew and machine to erect. I’d like to save some time and money when the crew and welding guys get to work.

My question is whether there is something I can put on the surface to protect is for a month or two that is easy to remove? I was thinking a quick spray with any rustoleum product would prevent rust for a month or two.

Is there a standard or accepted way to do this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[welder4956]

Bloxide or Deoxaluminate weld thru coating is what we use. A rattle can weldable primer could also be used. I have also heard of folks using Dykem blue layout spray, but have not tried it myself.

 

[jwilson645]

Honestly, they would probably appreciate you NOT prepping it. I do a bit of welding myself and I prefer to prep everything so that I know what has been done and can do it to my standards.

Just food for thought.......

 

[Old Man Roger]

Do some research on dealing with galvanized material, it can be some nasty stuff. Especially when welding.

 

[bluedog225]

The bloxide looks good and non-toxic. Thanks!

 

[Walkers]

Most just leave the galvy and use flux cored welding process.

 

[GaryM909]

We have used heavy plastic wrap secured with tape.

 

[bluedog225]

Thanks all. Agreed about the welding galv. I’ll check with the guys as well.

There may be a bolt together option. Has some appeal.

 

[CraigStu]

I understand that welding galvanized creates some toxic gas. That is all I know but enough to make getting details important.

 

[strutaeng]

The standard industry practice on structural steel for buildings is red oxide alkyd primer. It's just supposed to provide protection of steel from rusting from transportation, sitting at the job site, erected and they put a roof over it. Unless something else is specified...

What was specified on the contract documents? Are there any drawings? Or just your own design? Is this attached to a building or is it freestanding?

Why are you using galvanized only on some parts? That's just what's available?

 

[brownbagg]

this is one you need to sit back and let the welders do it, dont get involved on any of it

 

[mmb617]

If you are hiring out the welding I would think the guys doing the work will want to do the prep themselves, as anything you do may not be done to their standards.

 

[jwilson645]

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