Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Exterior metal surface painting

2007

Hi, I am Judie. I am kind of an amateur artist and designer although many people say I am very talented. I recently hand painted the hood of a racing go kart that has drawn many praises as the best looking kart on the track.

We installed an above ground swimming pool last summer. I had a stroke a couple of years ago and the pool is great therapy for me. I do not like the appearance of the metal sides on the outside of the pool. We considered putting lattice or some kind of panels around the outside of the pool wood decking to cover the metal outside panels of the pool, but my husband feels like by doing that we would inhibit the sun from hitting the sides and helping to warm the water. So I thought maybe I could do some sort of decorative painting or mural or even a faux wood look around the outside metal surface to make it more appealing to look at. I think the metal is galvanized aluminum. I do not know if there is a way to get the paint to adhere to the metal and also to weather the elements of the mid-west seasons.

I really would appreciate any information as to what steps we would need to take to prep the metal and what kind of products we would need to paint it and then protect the finished product.

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

Judie Snodgrass
hobbyist/artist - Cicero, Indiana

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January , 2007

The first piece of advice is to make sure that saw is unplugged!

Galvanized metal is usually very difficult to paint because of the chromate sealer coat (and other reasons). Try scrubbing with a tampico brush and TSP [trisodium phosphate [on eBay or Amazon]] first, then apply a Galvanized Metal Primer [affil links]. Then the decorative paint of your choice. Then a Krylon or equal clear coat? The decorative paint must be made for outdoors or the sun will fade it.

Paint a small section this year and see what it looks like rather than putting in a year's work on a mural that may not last as long as it took you to paint it :-)

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

Thank you for the answer. And the saw was unplugged. LOL

Judie A Snodgrass
- Indiana
2007

I have some old silver plated coffee pots and pitchers that I want to do some decorative painting on-----What do I do to prepare the surface and what type of paints can I use?

Gloria Jean Tchorzynski
- Canton, Michigan
2007