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Painting Techniques for Metals

Below are some guidelines for ferrous metals surfaces.

Care at the preparation is essential to achieving a professional finish - skimping on preparation will show in the final finish.

NOTE: a number of manufacturers produce paint 'systems' for use on ferrous metal (new and rusted) - usually including surface preparation, priming and top coat. These products generally produce a longer lasting finish than if ordinary 'metal' primer with ordinary undercoat/gloss products are used.

For painting central heating pipes and radiators, use the special paints available for this type of work as they stand up to the heat produced. Most of these paints are water based and although they need the surfaces to be cold when the coats are applied, they need the heat within about 24 hours of application to be properly cured.

New, ferrous metal (e.g. steel, cast iron).

  1. Remove all traces of grease and oil using white spirit or other suitable solvent..
  2. Clean the surface with wire brush and brush off.
  3. Apply a suitable metal primer.
  4. Lightly rub down with glasspaper and brush off.

One undercoat.

Two gloss coats.

Rusted ferrous metal

  1. Remove all rust and rub down.
  2. Apply a suitable anti-rust treatment.
  3. Apply suitable metal primer.
  4. Lightly rub down with glasspaper and brush off.

One undercoat.

Two gloss coats.