Painting galvanized metal

CH(upstate,NY) · Feb 25, 2013

I'd like to paint a galvanized trailer. Why, cause I want a white trailer.

Is there any special prep or paint to use?

Puddles · Feb 25, 2013

When I worked in a fab shop years ago, we used a lot of galvanized material. The painters always wiped the galvanized metal down with white vinegar before painting.

Tom in TN · Feb 25, 2013

CH,

I used to do a lot of home repair work for people. When I would install galvanized gutters and down spouts, I used a galvanized primer that I bought at Sherwin-Williams before i painted the gutters. The primer was a bluish color and it felt almost like a plastic coating when it dried.

Seemed to work pretty well - at least I never got any callbacks for peeling paint. You might check with Sherwin-Williams.

Tom in TN

John730D · Feb 25, 2013

You neeed a zinc chromate primer. It will etch into the galvanising and provide a surface for your paint to stick.

Jerry/MT · Feb 25, 2013

That"s what we did with galvanized roof gutters!

Ronald Anthony Anderson · Feb 26, 2013

If the galvanizing is weathered but not rusty You can use a good latex paint over it and it will last for 10 years. If it is rusty then use Rusty Iron Primer by Rustoleum. Wait a week before putting final coat on. I have painted many galvanized metal buildings this way and they all turned out good with no failures. But if there is rust you have to use the primer I suggested.

Keith-OR · Feb 27, 2013

Ammonia:
solution of 1-2% ammonia applied with a nylon brush can also be used, although this method typically is reserved for cleaning parts with ash residue. After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the surface with hot water and allow complete drying.

showcrop · Feb 28, 2013

As others have said you need to etch it with acid of some sort, or use self etching primer.

Painting galvanized metal

CH(upstate,NY)

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Puddles

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Tom in TN

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John730D

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Jerry/MT

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Ronald Anthony Anderson

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Keith-OR

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showcrop

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