How to Paint Scaffolding

Scaffolding is a great tool when you need to paint high places. Sometimes it shows rust and wear and becomes unsightly. If you have to set up scaffolding in the house for a long project, you might want to paint it. When you paint your scaffolding, you protect it and make it last years longer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint
• Primer (optional)
• Paint brush or sprayer
• Tape
• Latex gloves
• Thick soft work gloves
• Solution for cleaning sprayer or brushes

1. Wash the scaffolding and clean off any grease, dirt or oil that would prevent the paint from sticking

2. Check the metal parts for rust. If you find any rust or bad spots on the scaffolding, remove it a wire brush.

3. Select the type of paint that you wish to use and how you want to apply it. You can use a rust reformer and a rust-proof primer. You can also use oil-based paint for iron fencing or automotive epoxy paint if you prefer.

4. Prime the area if you choose to use rust proofing paint.

5. Expect to pay more if you use the automotive epoxy paint. The cost is about three times that of good paint, but you don't need to prime it like you would on a car finish.

6. Decide whether you want to spray or brush the paint on to the scaffolding. A brush gives a thicker, more durable coat to your scaffolding but takes a lot longer. If you apply auto epoxy with a brush, it may dry before you can use it, so only mix a little at a time if you brush it on.

7. Take the scaffolding apart when you paint it. Make sure that you tape off the ends so you don't accidentally paint them. If you do, reassembling the scaffolding can be difficult or impossible. Allow it to dry thoroughly before reassembling.

Tips & Warnings

• A trick that professional painters use is to wear a rubber glove and then put a thick soft work glove over it. Put paint in the pan and place the palm of your hand on the paint. Wrap your fingers lightly around the metal of the scaffolding and glide downward on each pole as you add a coat of paint.
• There's no benefit to painting the boards when you paint your scaffolding. Just paint the metal poles.