How to Paint a Galvanized Pole

Add a touch of color to a galvanized pole.

Coated in zinc, galvanized metals have an increased ability to stave off corrosion, which is particularly beneficial when they are used for exterior applications. Due to their rust-resistance, galvanized metals find their way into nails, screws, sheet metal, pails, washtubs, conduit pipes, chain link fences and flagpoles. When a galvanized pole creates an undesirable detail in an exterior landscape, you can transform its finish for better integration into the surrounding environment or architecture with a coat of paint. Paint will also increase a galvanized poles resistance to corrosion or serve as a replacement finish for compromised galvanized metal finishes.

Things You'll Need

• Nylon-bristle scrub brush
• Alkaline degreasing cleaner
• Lint-free cloth
• Mineral spirits
• 240-grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Drop cloth
• Metal primer
• Paintbrush (optional)
• Metal paint

Instructions

1. Remove anything connected to the pole, such as flags, lamps or signs.

2. Scrub the pole with a solution of hot water and degreasing cleaner, using a nylon-bristle scrub brush. Avoid acidic cleaners, as they may damage the existing galvanization. Rinse the pole with fresh water and allow it to dry.

3. Wipe down the pole with a lint-free cloth saturated with mineral spirits. Rinse the pole with hot water and leave it to dry.

4. Sand the pole with 240-grit sandpaper until the pole's surface is consistently scuffed. Then wipe down the pole with a tack cloth.

5. Cover the ground and any vegetation below the pole with a drop cloth.

6. Paint the pole with a thin coat of "wash" primer designed for metal application or galvanized steel primer. You can use a paint brush, but aerosol metal primers are also available. Leave the first coat of primer to dry and then apply a second, thin coat.

7. Paint the pole with a thin coat of metal paint designed for galvanized metals. For the best results, use a paint and primer produced by the same manufacturer. Paint or spray-on metal paints are available. Leave the paint to dry then apply a second coat. Apply additional coats only if the color remains blotchy or if a higher level of corrosion resistance is required.

References

• American Galvanizers Association; Painting Over Hot Dip Galvanized Steel; Thomas J. Langill, Ph.D.
• Columbia Paint and Coatings: Galvanized Metal