Can You Paint Exterior Metal?
Are your gutters or downspouts showing signs of rust? Has the paint on your metal garage door seen better days? Are there spots on your metal handrail where the paint has chipped off or rust is building up? If so, you might be wondering if it's possible to paint exterior metal. After all, it's not just the appearance that matters; if the deterioration continues, you will have to replace the whole item!
So, can you paint exterior metal? Yes! There are a few important steps to follow if you are going to paint your metal doors, gutters or railings, including surface preparation, priming, and paint application.
Surface Preparation for Painting Exterior Metal
Preparation is a key part of almost any project, and painting exterior metal is no exception. Preparation could involve several different operations, depending on the type of metal (steel, aluminum, zinc) and what condition it is in. This could include pressure washing, scraping, wire-brushing, sanding, or a chemical treatment such as Tri Sodium Phosphate (TSP).
Priming Exterior Metal for Painting
The surface you have prepared needs to be primed, otherwise the paint might not adhere to the metal (leading to another paint failure). If the surface was painted before and you don’t prime, you might see the previous paint color through the new one as well. Various types of metals will require different primers, so make sure you research what is best for your specific project.
Paint It!
Once you have chosen a paint color, you can finally paint! As with the primer, the proper type of paint can vary depending on the type of metal and what you are painting (door, gutter, handrail, etc.). Be careful to apply the paint evenly into any grooves or decorative indents so that it doesn’t look patchy, and always watch out for drips!
DIY vs. Hiring for Painting Exterior Metal
The process of painting a metal garage door or wrought-iron hand rail is actually quite a bit of work, and you need to know what you’re doing to be able to successfully complete all these steps. If you hire a residential painting contractor, then they can get it done for you, quickly and correctly!
One of the best ways to paint metal surfaces to have a like-new finish is by spraying on the paint. However, few homeowners have the equipment or experience to do this well. There's another factor in favor of hiring a professional painter!
Williams Professional Painting Company
If you have exterior metal that needs to be painted, Williams Professional Painting Company would be happy to help you! We have served in Virginia, Maryland, and the greater DC area since 1979, building up a reputation for excellence in painting.
We offer a wide range of painting services, including color consultation (in case you weren’t sure whether or not to paint your gutters orange), interior painting, and exterior painting. Feel free to call us at (703) 768-8143 if you have any questions or click here to schedule a free estimate today.
