How to Paint Metal Pipes
- 1). Prepare the metal pipe surface by cleaning and scrubbing with a steel wool brush to get rid of all dirt, oil, loose paint and moisture. If the metal is rusted, scrub away as much of it as you can.
- 2). Prime the metal pipe with metal primer. Read the label carefully to make sure that the primer works for the type of metal you have. There are different primers for different types of metal. For rusted pipes, use a primer with zinc chromate in it.
- 3). Paint the first coat of the top coat paint as soon as you are able to increase adhesion of the paint to the metal. The primer's instructions will tell you exactly how long you need to wait before you apply the top coat. You would want to ideally use top coat paint made by the same manufacturer of the primer. This ensures that the paint and primer are compatible. Also, read the label carefully to make sure the paint is compatible with the type of metal pipe you have. Use paint with rust inhibitors when painting a rusted metal pipe.
- 4). Apply the second coat as soon as you are able. Follow the paint's instructions for how long to wait before applying the second coat.
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