Metal is a popular material due to its durability. Metal furniture and ornaments are durable. It is also more resilient to weather conditions and everyday wear and tear. Anywhere, at home or in offices, there are a lot of metal pieces that could use fresh paint especially if these have been around for years. So yes, even if these metal pieces are still usable, it wouldn’t hurt to give them a fresh new look.
There are numerous ways to give your metal fixtures a brand new look and one of that is through spray painting. Spray paint is not only convenient and easy to access but also a cheaper alternative. Whether it is a small or big metal object, spray paint can give it a smooth and even finish.
Below are the steps on how to spray paint your metal fixtures
- First, prepare the metal object that you would like to paint. Use sandpaper, denatured alcohol, metal, or a wire brush to make sure the metal surface is free from oil, dust, rust, dirt, or grease. A glossy, dirty, or greasy surface will not allow the paint to stick well. Use soap and water to wash metal surfaces with persistent dirt. Wipe surfaces with denatured alcohol to make sure it is free of grease and remove old paint by scraping, wire brushing, and sanding. And then, thoroughly wipe it with a dry and clean cloth to get rid of any moisture.
- But if the object you are working on has holes and dents, you have to repair it first before painting. For small holes and dents, you can use an epoxy-based composite that you can inject into the affected areas and then apply epoxy fillers for bigger holes.
- Prime the metal surface first before spray painting to prevent rust from recurring. There are different types of primers to choose from depending on the type of where you will be using the metal furniture, the finish appearance you’d like to achieve, or performance requirement. But the two most recommended types are the galvanized metal primer and the rust converter. A primer will increase the life of your metal furniture.
- If there are areas that you do not want to get painted, you can use a masking tape to cover these areas.
- Spray painting is ideally done in a controlled area to prevent pollen and the wind blows from interfering with your work. Fortunately, spray painting can be done indoors; however, proper ventilation is advised. Also, make sure that the floor is covered with protective drop cloths (you can use newspaper in the absence of drop cloths).
- Prepare the spray paint of your chosen color, gloves, and goggles. Spray test your paint first to see if it gives a thin fine mist or has a malfunctioning nozzle. Do the same if you are using old spray paint as the nozzle might be clogged with old paint. If so, dab some paint thinner on the nozzle to resolve the issue.
- Shake the spray paint for about 30 seconds. Begin spraying the object by sweeping from one side to another or from top to bottom. Another tip to remember is to stop spraying every time you complete a single row or column so you can give your spray paint a quick shake for at least 10 seconds. Then, start spraying again until the full length and width of the object is completely coated. Do not forget to briefly shake your spray paint before beginning to paint again. Do this throughout the painting process.
- Allow it to dry completely. Drying time depends on the thickness of the paint and weather conditions. But to be on the safe side, let it dry for at least 24 hours.
- Once done, carefully remove the tape and check the metal object for drips. You can remove drips by sanding them with fine grip paper and just wipe off the dust with a dry soft cloth.
Just a gentle reminder, do not use newly painted items until it is completely dry.