How to Paint a Rain Gutter
Rain gutters are in constant need of attention. When they aren't being cleaned out, they need a fresh coat of paint. Because they are continually filled with wet leaves and melting snow, it is difficult to keep the paint job looking its best. You don't need a professional painter to paint your gutters. Prepping the metal surface is the most difficult part of this paint job.
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Instructions
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Scrape off loose paint with a paint scraper. Hold the scraper at a 45-degree angle and work the edge of the scraper under the paint.
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Wash the gutters with mild soap and water. Use dish washing soap and a scrub brush to completely clean the gutters. Remove all leaves and debris as you are cleaning. Go back over the gutters with your scraper to remove any loose paint that was exposed during the cleaning process. Allow the gutters to dry.
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Brush the gutters with a steel bristled brush to remove any remaining paint flakes and all rust. Brush the rust and loose paint vigorously. Wipe away debris with a damp rag. Sand any uneven areas with medium grit sandpaper.
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Use a clear acrylic bonding--or oil-based primer (16 ounces of thinner to one gallon). Apply the primer with a good quality brush. Avoid brush strokes as much as possible. Apply one to two coats of primer, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Allow the primer to dry for 24 hours.
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Paint the gutters with outdoor acrylic paint. You can find 100-percent acrylic paints at most paint stores or home improvement centers. Apply multiple thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat. Thin coats are more durable and will provide a smoother finish. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next coat.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep a gallon of the paint you used on your gutters for regular touch-ups. Metal that is exposed to the elements will be quicker to rust. Touch up rust and peeling paint by sanding the area until it is smooth. Paint over the spot with the touch-up paint. Keeping the metal gutters protected with a coat of paint will mean that you have to completely repaint less often.
References
- Photo Credit gutter image by Wouter Tolenaars from Fotolia.com
