Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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PAINT A STATUARY

My question is that I would like to paint a statuary that has been outside for approximately 1 year. It does not show any signs of weathering, but I would like to protect it and I need to know what I should do. Any suggestions for a person with limited skills?

Thank You,

Richard Betts
- Borger, Texas
2003

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2003

Richard, not knowing your statue's material or finish, all I can do is suggest some general 'good things to do when painting metal' type tips.
First, the statue has got to be clean. Dirt, oil, grease, scum, raw eggs, pigeon guano- those will all keep the paint from sticking. But you knew that!
Second, since the paint is a mechanical bond, you want to roughen up the surface a bit- not so much that it'll look bad, but enough to help the paint stick. I'd likely use a medium to fine 00 steel wool [on eBay or Amazon] on it, although a fine sandpaper might be better, since you don't want microscopic bits of iron stuck in the surface of the statue- they may rust if the paint doesn't block moisture and look bad.
Thirdly, I'd suggest a zinc dust [on eBay or Amazon] made for metal painting- you can get these in your everyday hardware store or big chain home improvement store. I'm fond of epoxy topcoats, myself- they look nice on the stuff we ship, and seem to last.

Good luck!

Lee Gearhart
metallurgist - E. Aurora, New York