How to Magnetize Metal for Painting

You' ll want to magnetize your metal in order to paint it when you are working with items such as wrought iron fences, cars or metal office furniture. Doing so will produce a smooth wrap finish that is highly desirable. This method of magnetizing metal prior to painting is known as the electrostatic painting technique. The object to be painted is given a negative charge whereas the paint is given a positive charge. About seventy five percent of the challenge in electrostatic painting comes from grounding the object for painting.

Things You'll Need

• Grinder for rust

Instructions

1. Remove any loose dirt and clean the object to be painted. If the object has rust you will want to grind off the rust prior to grounding the object. You are going to ground the metal object so that it has zero voltage. This will allow the paint, which has a positive amount of voltage, to be drawn to the metal you are painting. It enables the paint to produce a wrap effect by actually drawing paint particles to the metal to wrap around. It also allows you to use less paint in the process. Projects that normally take half a gallon or more with a paintbrush can often be completed with one quart.

2. Remove all coins from your pocket. Make sure there are not other metal objects surrounding the object you are about to magnetize for painting.

3. Ground your metal object with a Van de Graaff generator by attaching it to your metal object and running the generator. You are now ready to paint.

4. Consult someone who does electrostatic painting if you do not have a Van de Graaff generator and or an electrostatic paint gun. While it might seem like a pricey venture to hire a professional you will not have to purchase any additional equipment to magnetize metal or to spray paint.

Tips & Warnings

• There are several companies who do electrostatic painting.

• It is best to have a professional do large painting products.