
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989
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Painting galvanized pipe handicap railing
Duplex Systems: Painting Over Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel
by American Galvanizers Association
(free download from AGA)
Self-Etching Primer
Affil. Link
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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
2003
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, use a Self-Etching Primer [affil link], and I don't think you'll have trouble.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
