How to Paint Metal Surfaced with Foam Rollers

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By Gail Logan
eHow Contributing Writer

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Because a metal surface is smooth, it is one of the easiest surfaces to paint. Foam rollers were designed to seamlessly paint smooth surfaces, making them the perfect tool for metal surfaces. Although metal surfaces and foam rollers are natural partners, painting over metal without preparing the surface correctly will cause your paint job to flake and peel. Follow these steps for a fool-proof method of painting a metal surface with a foam roller.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Water
Mild detergent
Sponge
Foam rollers
Metal primer
Paint

Step 1

Using a sponge dampened with a solution of mild detergent and water, wipe the surface to be painted and allow to dry. A clean surface will allow the paint to adhere properly.
Step 2

Roll a clean foam roller into metal primer, and cover the entire surface to be painted with the primer. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly. Check the manufacturer's instructions on the primer can for drying times. For most primers, it is about one hour.
Step 3

Roll a new foam roller into the desired paint. Apply to the walls using an up-and-down motion starting in one corner of the room and working your way across each wall until the entire surface is covered. Allow to dry for at least 24 hours before touching.

Tips & Warnings

For best results, choose a white, high-density foam rubber rather than a cheap version made with low-quality foam. Direct room fans onto the walls to dry them more quickly. Adding another coat of paint to your walls will increase the longevity of the paint job. Additional layers of paint should be added only after the first layers have dried thoroughly
Never paint in a closed room without the proper ventilation.