How to Paint Hot Rolled Steel
Painting hot rolled steel protects it from the corrosive effects of atmospheric moisture that results in rust and pitting of the surface. The manufacturing process of hot rolled steel consists of a heated milling procedure that rolls the steel into coils or component parts used in the construction, railroad and automotive industries. Painting hot rolled steel is more difficult than cold rolled steel due to the type of surface produced in its manufacture. Surface preparation of the hot rolled steel is vital for the correct adhesion and protective qualities of the painting procedure.
Things You'll Need
- Wire brush
- Wire wool
- Hand brush
- Vacuum cleaner
- Solvent-based cleaner
- Cloth
- Zinc phosphate primer
- Stir stick
- Paintbrush
- Epoxy anti-corrosion primer
- Acrylic polyurethane paint
- Protective gloves
- Respirator
- Safety goggles
Instructions
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Using a wire brush, remove any milling scales and surface rust from the hot rolled steel. Use wire wool and lightly abrade the entire surface of the steel to create a suitable bonding surface for the paint procedure.
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2
Using a hand brush, sweep the surface clear of all scales and dust. Use a vacuum cleaner and clean up all scale and rust particles from the work area so that debris does not re-settle on the hot rolled steel surface.
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3
Use a solvent-based cleaning product, and pour a small amount onto a cloth and wipe the surface of the hot rolled steel. Clean off any oil and grease marks with the cloth using a scrubbing motion. Make sure the hot rolled steel is completely free of dust and grease and allow it to dry.
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4
Use a zinc phosphate primer to seal and protect the hot rolled steel. Mix the primer with a stir stick to amalgamate the solution. Apply the primer over the surface area of the steel with a paintbrush. Allow the zinc phosphate primer to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.
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5
Use a stir stick to provide a consistent appearance in the epoxy anti-corrosion primer. Apply the epoxy primer over the zinc phosphate primer using a paintbrush. The epoxy primer provides a chemical resistant anti-corrosive layer that elongates the lifespan of the hot rolled steel. Allow the epoxy primer to dry.
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Mix the acrylic polyurethane paint to a uniform color with a stir stick. Use a clean paintbrush, and apply the paint over the dry epoxy primer. Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer's label for a first-coat application.
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Use a paintbrush and apply a final coat of acrylic polyurethane paint to the hot rolled steel to complete the painting procedure. Allow the acrylic paint to dry and cure before using the steel.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear protective gloves, a respirator and safety goggles to avoid contact with chemicals.
References
- Photo Credit rolled steel, higher definition image by philn99 from Fotolia.com
