How to Paint Metal Objects

Prep work far exceeds the painting process when you are painting a metal object. Dust, dirt and oils will cause the paint you apply to the metal object not to adhere. This causes defects in the paint and the end painting result will be less than desirable. After the metal object is prepared, you can use any painting method to paint the metal object, but spray paint takes center stage on complex metal objects with intricate details.

Things You'll Need

• Natural citrus cleaner
• Water
• Bucket
• Wire brush
• Stiff bristled scrub brush
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Clean rags
• Magnet
• Primer in a spray can
• Can of spray paint

Instructions

1. Combine the citrus cleaner with water per the cleaner's instructions in the bucket.

2. Place the scrub brush in the cleaning solution.

3. Scrub the metal object thoroughly with the scrub brush to remove oils, dust and dirt from the surface of the object.

4. Rinse the metal object with clean water to remove the cleaner from the metal surface.

5. Allow the metal object to dry thoroughly.

6. Remove loose paint from the metal object by brushing the metal surface with the wire brush.

7. Scuff the surface of the metal object with the 220-grit sandpaper to give the primer a bondable surface.

8. Wipe the surface of the metal object with a clean rag.

9. Determine the type of metal used to build the object by placing the metal on the objects surface. If the magnet sticks, the object is steel and any metal primer will suffice. When the magnet does not stick the object, it is made of either aluminum or stainless steel. Scratch a hidden area of the object with a brass key. If the metal scratches, it is aluminum. No scratch signifies that the object is stainless. Purchase a primer that is specifically designed to bond to the latter two materials.

10. Shake the can of primer for the recommended amount of time specified on the can.

11. Hold the tip of the can 12 to 14 inches away from the object's surface. Depress the tip to spray primer on the metal object. Continually move the spray can while applying a light coat of primer to the metal object. Repeat the process after the primer has dried for a second coat.

12. Wipe down the primed surface with a clean rag after the primer has cured.

13. Shake the can of spray paint until it is thoroughly mixed.

14. Apply a light coat of paint to the surface of the metal object as described for the primer in step 11. Continue to apply light coats of paint to the metal object until you achieve the desired finish.

References

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