Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Painting 304 and 316 for added protection in coast environments

Painting 304 & 316 Stainless for protection against corrosion. I have woven mesh that has a wire dia of 0.7 mm used as screens in windows & doors, Does painting protect these screens in the same way from corrosion in a coastal environment what is the best process/ preparation for having the paint stick to stainless.

Clive Sinclair
- Perth, WA, Australia
2003

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Clive,

I screened in a porch, Over 20 years ago, with 304 stainless screen, and it is in the same condition today as when I did it. I used no coating.

I guess you probably know that 304 stainless is not as costly as 316 stainless, I think it is because of the nickel content.

Chlorine-stress does the most harm to stainless and that takes heat and pressure, and that is not likely to occur on a home screening.

Good luck,

Carroll Parker
- Chatham,Virginia
2003

Hi, Clive!

You will definitely have a rusting problem with the 304 wire in a coastal condition. I am always hesitant to recommend coatings on stainless steel because long term they will many times start peeling off and then you have a terrible condition to get it all off. However, you have a situation that requires something or you will have problems.

The best recommendation I can make would be first to make sure any rusting on the surface is gone. If you already have rusting, contact us and we can help you get that off. Then you can spray the screen with a GOOD aerosol urethane coating to protect it from rusting. Make sure you get all surfaces coated. You can do this with a brush or roller, also, if you need to.

If you in the future see ANY signs of rust, etc. take care of it immediately and recoat it before it starts to get bad.

Good luck!

Lee Kremer
Stellar Solutions, Inc.

McHenry, Illinois

2003