Letter 21439

Painting galvanized pipe handicap railing  

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I have a long hand railing (1 1/2 dia pipe) I believe to be galvanized pipe at our church that is rusting badly and I want to sand the rust then prime with Rustoleum primer and then paint with a latex exterior paint overall. Will the product types mentioned adhere to the galvanizing??? This railing is part of a handicap entrance/exit.

Thanks..

Melrose Cole
- Prides Crossing, Mass, USA

A fresh galvanized surface has a chromate conversion coating on it that keeps most paints from sticking. But if this railing is rusted it has apparently been exposed to the elements for a long time and probably has no such coating on it anymore. Wash it like you would any other surface, and I don't think you'll have trouble.

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey