The sliding panel, roof flashing, and steel walkways are all made of galvanised iron. Yes, they’re everywhere. Even some of your furniture is made of this material. And just like everything else, you’d like the option to paint furniture made of steel. But wait, is it even possible?

Can You Paint Galvanised Iron/Steel?

Yes, it’s possible to paint galvanised iron. However, it’s a bit tricky. If you simply take a paintbrush and smear some paint across it, it won’t work. You see, galvanised iron means Zinc. And our buddy Zinc here doesn’t like paint that much. That’s why every time you paint the steel, it rejects it.

So, why did we say it’s possible to paint over galvanised iron or steel? Well, because it is! The process is just not straightforward. It’s a bit tricky. To paint over galvanised iron you have to break its brother-like bond with Zinc. If you want to know how you can achieve this goal, keep on reading.

How To Paint Galvanised Iron/Steel

Tools You Need

• Chemical degreaser
• Sandpaper
• Vinegar
• Primer
• Paint
• Paintbrush

Step 1- Clean Off The Steel

The first thing you have to do is clean the steel properly. You don’t want the dirt to interfere with your painting process now, do you? So, go and grab a wet towel and clean off all the dirt. Then use a chemical degreaser to make it extra clean. You see, steel needs extra effort to be thoroughly cleaned. Once you’re done, make sure you wait for the degreaser to dry off completely. This can take from five (5) to 15 minutes. So, do have some patience there.

Step 2- Apply Some Vinegar On The Galvanised Steel

After the degreaser has evaporated, you can start applying vinegar. Yes, the ones available in your kitchen. Those are the perfect items for this situation. Why?

Because the vinegar you use for cooking is not as strong as the industrial ones. They’ll gently slick off some of the Zinc layers without removing too much. The amount of Zinc removed will be perfect. Then your steel will be allowed to absorb the paint without rusting. So, grab the vinegar and soak it in a piece of cloth. Then rub the entire surface with it till the whole area is covered. Then leave it for one (1) to two (2) hours to let it do its magic.

Step 3- Apply A Primer

For this step, you need a primer. You see the primer will ensure that the paint glides on smoothly over the surface. Otherwise, the surface may look like it was painted by an amateur painter. So, take your paintbrush, dip it into the primer then smudge it across the area. Now be careful not to apply a heavy coating. At the same time, make sure it has good coverage. It’s all about keeping the perfect balance. To achieve all this, simply apply a thin layer of primer and spread it across the surface evenly. And once you’re done with the primer, let it dry. This can take from three (3) to six (6) hours, so have a little snack while you wait.

Step 4- Paint The Steel

Has the primer dried? Then guess what? It’s time to do the main job. Yep, it’s time to paint the steel itself. Since the Zinc layer has now been slicked off, the paint will stick right onto the steel like it’s a wall. Sounds amazing, right? Well, now that your problem’s been solved, take a paintbrush and apply the paint. But make sure you paint in long strokes using the tip of the brush to dab the paint onto the surface.

This will give you a smooth and even finish.

Step 5- Wait For The Layer To Dry

This step is all about waiting for the paint to dry. But how long do you wait? Well, this depends on the paint you used. Generally, it takes about four (4) to five (5) hours to dry off completely. Then again, you can simply check by putting your finger on the surface.

Step 6- Apply A Second Coat Of Paint

Once the paint has dried, you can get on with the final step. That’s applying one last layer of paint. The second coat will hide all the mistakes you made the first time. So, just grab your paintbrush and paint one last time. This has to be done the exact way you did the first time.

To sum up, yes, it’s possible to paint galvanised iron/steel. However, it needs a little more work, but it’ll be brand new in no time. That’s all for this blog. We hope you got your answer to the question – Can you paint galvanised iron/steel?

So, we’ll take our leave now. Have a good day, mate. Cheerio!

Call us direct at Earles Paints on 07 4121 5202 for all the information you need, or visit us at Earle Paint Place Maryborough.