Enamel galvanised steel

[yartin]

Hi
I want to apply spray enamel to galvanised steel angle L shaped from SF part No. 880JP. Do I need to spray metal primer first and then the enamel or can do without primer?

 

[JohnD]

When I paint galvanised items, I always use a preservative primer.

They are available specifically for galvanised metals. It is considered a difficult material.

They are quite expensive. I mostly use a dulux product but other makers of industrial paints also make them. You will find the tin surprisingly heavy. They usually say allow the zinc coating to oxidise before painting.

I live in a coastal region and outdoor steelwork is very prone to premature rust.

I apply by brush. For small, glossy items I thin it first in a small pot and apply two thin coats, because the primer contains a lot of solids.

 

[Burnerman]

Consider using an etching primer.....the difference of adhesion is dramatic compared to the ordinary stuff.
John

 

[opps]

In the old days, when painting galvanised Crittalls windows, I used to use zinc plumbate primer. Now I use waterbased primers designed for galvanised metal. The last one I used was a Fortress paint.

 

[yartin]

I applied Rust Oleum surface primer this morning; 2 coats, says to wait 12 hrs before paint, adhesion looks quite good, will enamel tomorrow, there is no rush, will update the result.

 

[JohnD]

In the old days, when painting galvanised Crittalls windows, I used to use zinc plumbate primer. Now I use waterbased primers designed for galvanised metal. The last one I used was a Fortress paint.

A tiny tin, but a very reasonable price for a small job.