Paint a Steel Container
Datetime:2014-05-09 Hits:
Steel containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from tiny pill boxes to large shipping containers. They are all painted in the same way. An important thing to consider when painting steel is that paint does not adhere to its smooth surface as well as it does on more porous materials like wood. The key to a long-lasting paint finish on a steel container is to sand first. This will give the paint something to cling to and extend the longevity of the paint job.
Instructions
1
Take the container apart. This may be as easy as removing the lid or as complicated as removing the hinges.
2
Clean the steel container with a rag saturated with mild detergent or denatured alcohol. Then rinse the container with water and allow it to dry completely.
3
Sand the container (and all the parts that you intend to paint) with 120 to 150 grit sandpaper or a medium-fine grain sanding sponge. For the best results, apply medium-firm pressure and sand with the grain of the steel.
4
Wipe the sanded steel clean with a tack cloth.
5
Paint the steel with one coat of an oil-based, rust-inhibiting (the label must specifically sate that it inhibits rust) primer made for use on steel like Rust Scat Alkyd Metal Primer, 433 RustPlate Rust Inhibitive Primer or Rust-O-Lastic Zinc Chromate Primer. Then allow it to dry for the amount of time dictated by the manufacturer.
6
Paint the steel with a high-gloss enamel or acrylic top coat like Rust Scat Polyurethane High Gloss Enamel, Versaflex Heavy Duty Alkyd Gloss Enamel, WaterBorne Acrylic Gloss Enamel or Rust-O-Lastic Finish Coating. Allow the top coat to cure for the amount of time dictated by the manufacturer.
7
Apply a (optional) second coat and allow it to cure for the amount of time dictated by the manufacturer.
8
Re-assemble the steel container once it is completely dry.
