How To Prepare Galvanised Metal Surfaces Prior To Painting
NEW SURFACES
New galvanized surfaces must be clean, dry and free of contamination. Oils and greases, etc. can be removed with Polycote Solvent Cleaner.
Chromate or silicate treatments can be removed with abrasive methods with equipment such as our STR machines or with the use of one of our fleet of shotblaster.
Water-soluble contaminants should be rinsed off with water.
PREVIOUSLY PAINTED SURFACES
Take very great care if you are to coat newly applied galvanizing. This must be thoroughly cleaned and abraded before coating as the new galvanizing will act almost like a release agent.
Should the surface that is to be painted already have an existing coat on it, the performance of any new coating is going to be directly dependent upon the adhesion of the existing coating. If the existing coating is still well adhered and being re-coated for aesthetic purposes for instance, then one simply has to ensure the coating is cleaned and keyed sufficiently to ensure inter-coat adhesion. If however, the existing coat is flaking and/or peeling, it is strongly advised to remove the existing coating completely and have a ‘fresh start’.
Should areas of galvanizing be missing completely and the steel starting to show signs of rust, these areas should be treated as bare steel – please see;
How To Prepare Ferrous Metal Surfaces (Iron and Steel) Prior to Painting
FURTHER TECHNICAL HELP REQUIRED?
Thank you for your interest and we hope you have found the above information both interesting and helpful. However, should you still have be unsure as to the best solution for your needs, please don’t hesitate to ring our technical helpline now on 01234 846400. We have a fully qualified team ready to give practical advice and help assist you as much as possible.