How to Prime & Paint Magnesium Metal
Painting any type of metal surface can be challenging. Because metal is hard and nonporous, it is not an ideal surface for paint adhesion. Magnesium metal is especially difficult to paint because it must be deoxidized and pretreated first.
In addition, only specific types of paint should be used to coat this type of surface or the finish coat will chip and peel rather quickly. If you need to paint magnesium metal, you need to know the proper preparation steps and the correct materials to use or you could have disastrous results
Things You Will Need
- Alkaline cleanser
- Coarse brush
- Chromic acid treatment kit
- Blue painter's tape
- Zinc chromate spray primer
- Zinc chromate spray paint
Tip
Consult the directions that came with the chromic acid treatment carefully. Different kits recommend different safety measures and gear. Always read the labeling thoroughly to avoid injury.
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Degrease the magnesium by scrubbing it with an alkaline cleanser.
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Apply a chromic acid treatment. Follow the directions on the chromic acid treatment kit carefully to avoid accidental burns.
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Neutralize the acid as directed by the labeling that came with your specific kit. Rinse the surface and allow it to dry.
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Apply blue painter's tape to areas you don't want painted.
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Apply a zinc chromate spray primer. Allow the surface to dry for two hours.
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Apply a zinc chromate spray paint in the same manner as you did the primer.
The Drip Cap
- Painting any type of metal surface can be challenging.
- Because metal is hard and nonporous, it is not an ideal surface for paint adhesion.
- Apply a zinc chromate spray paint in the same manner as you did the primer.
Writer Bio
Ryan Lawrence is a freelance writer based in Boulder, Colorado. He has been writing professionally since 1999. He has 10 years of experience as a professional painting contractor. Lawrence writes for High Class Blogs and Yodle. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations with a minor in history from the University of Oklahoma.
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