Metal surfaces are a common part of many interior and exterior painting projects. Outdoor metal fixtures, aluminum gutters, copper pipes, galvanized steel siding, wrought iron gates, window frames, boilers, and more, are all commonly found in households, and all require a fresh coat of paint from time to time. When you need to paint metal, adequate surface preparation will make all the difference in the quality of your paint job and in how long it lasts. In fact, without the proper preparation, even the highest quality paints and custom metal coatings will not last, and your hard work will be in vain. Our checklist will help make sure your painting project is successful, with long lasting results!

Step 1: Clean the surface.

Every type of surface should be cleaned before being painted, and metal surfaces are no exception. In exterior painting projects, metal surfaces are exposed to the elements, and likely in need of a thorough cleaning. It’s often best and most efficient to pressure wash these surfaces, giving special attention to areas of mildew, mold, or excessive grime buildup. Indoor metal surfaces may also require attention, but in many cases, can just be wiped clean with a cloth, or damp rag. If there is grime buildup, grease, or oils present, make a mixture of warm water and mild dish detergent and lightly scrub the affected area.

Step 2: Sand and scrape the surface.

Sanding and scraping the metal surface will make it smooth, uniform, and easier to paint. Any buildup or residue that was not removed during cleaning should be sanded away. Rust, likewise, needs to be sanded off of the surface. Begin by lightly sanding, and work your way to more intense measures. Scraping will remove excessive residue and rust, as well as any loose or peeling paint from the previous paint job. Avoid using power tools for this stage, since they can actually polish the surface, leading to problems with adhesion when it comes time to paint. If you must use a power tool to sand or scrape, be prepared to give the area an extra coat or two of primer before painting.

Step 3: Make repairs to the surface.

Small holes, dents, and gashes can all befall your metal surface. You’ll likely discover these damages during cleaning, sanding, or scraping. Most dents can be filled using an epoxy-based composite or epoxy filler. Larger holes and gashes will require heavier duty epoxy filler, possibly along with a mesh liner. After applying any epoxy or filler, sand the edges of the repair after they have dried so that the subsequent coatings will be smooth.

Step 4: Prime the surface.

The last step before applying paint is to apply the proper primer to the metal. Consider the substrate itself, and how you want the final topcoat to look and feel. Also consider the environment your metal surface is in, and what elements it may be exposed to. All bare metal will need to be primed with at least one coat, and the better you can specify the type of primer you need, the better results you’ll have in a finished product.
For example:

• If your surface will be exposed to moisture, avoid using latex or water-based primers. Moisture will easily soak through these primers and your paint job will need to be redone within a matter of weeks or months.
• If your surface is susceptible to rust, use a rust-inhibitive primer or rust converter or rust reformer.
• Even if you have not had issues with rust, if your surface is made of ferrous metal (metal that contains iron), we still recommend using rust-inhibitive primers or rust converters for metal surfaces that are exposed to the elements, as a way to safeguard against rust.
• For non-ferrous metals, and for surfaces that are not exposed to the elements, we recommend a galvanized metal primer, which will enable the paint coatings to better adhere to metal surfaces.

The Painting Craftsman Way

Metal surfaces can be tricky to paint, even when you take the necessary precautions and do the right prep work. If you’d rather not embark on a DIY project like this, find a good professional painting service and let a specialized team take care of your painting project! There are many good house painting companies in Jacksonville, but The Painting Craftsmen is the company to choose for the luxury coatings and paint job your home deserves. Our exterior and interior house painting teams specialize in preparing your metal surface for painting, and then applying smooth and even top coats, giving all surfaces the look and feel of true craftsmanship.

More and more homeowners are choosing to make their front doors pop with bright and unexpected colors.  With this simple project you can transform the feel of your home, express your own creative side, and give an otherwise understated landscape a burst of personality.  If you’re thinking of selling your home, a bright, freshly painted front door will massively bump up your curb appeal.  Best of all, the entire project can usually be done using just one can of paint and a single weekend or less.  It’s a simple, affordable, and fun way to perk up your home – no wonder so many people are doing it!

For every surface to be painted, there is a method that suits it best. The traditional paint brush and roller are still the best option for many painting projects, but there are some areas of the home for which a paint sprayer will do the best work. In most cases, a combination of methods will be used for your project to create the best possible final product. Great painting contractors know how to make each part of your house look its best, and will know when to brush, when to roll, and when to spray. As a homeowner, it can be intimidating to think of paint being sprayed onto any area of your home, but there are actually many cases in which the paint spray gun is safe and effective and will give the best results.

Caulk is an important element in nearly every painting project, and indeed, in countless home improvement jobs in general. Caulking is a great way to seal your home from moisture, close drafty cracks or joints, and block dust, debris, and even insects from entering your house. A neat bead of caulk is also the perfect solution for closing unsightly gaps between pieces of trim, around baseboards or door frames, and many other areas around your home. Caulk is the solution to many problems, but before your grab your caulk gun and buy the first tube of sealant you find, do some research to make sure you are making the best decisions for your caulking project.

A fresh coat of paint is a great way to protect your home’s exterior from harsh weather and keep it sealed from moisture, but beyond that it’s a fun way to express yourself with color. Do you want your house to make a statement? There’s a bold color palette for that. Would you rather your home blended inconspicuously into the scenery? There’s a color palette to perfectly match the surrounding nature. Are you getting ready to put your house on the market? The right color scheme can create a stunning first impression and boost your home’s the curb appeal. The colors of your home’s exterior set the tone for your entire property, and color selection is a big decision. However, instead of getting overwhelmed by the color selection process, use our tips and let it be fun!

Selecting the right color for painting a room is a big task, and considering the sheen and finish makes the job even bigger. It can be hard to make sense of the painting terminology, so The Painting Craftsmen has compiled a list of the best sheens and finishes to use on each area of your house, for both interior and exterior painting projects. Follow our tips as you plan your painting project, and you’ll love the results.

Painting the exterior of your house is a big project, and there are many steps to follow to ensure you give your home a high quality paint job. Prep work is no exception, but the good news is that proper preparation will pay off. Follow these tips and your home will be easier to paint, the job will go more quickly, and the finished product will look great.

Step 1: Clear the area

Remove everything you can from the area to be painted. This includes shutters, light fixtures, your house number, your mailbox, and anything else that can be easily removed. By simplifying the surface, you’ll be able to complete the job in less time.

The exterior of your house needs a new coat of paint every so often to protect it from the elements. Direct sunlight, driving rain, and our warm and wet climate all greatly affect the siding and trim of your house. Having your house painted regularly is the best way to protect it and extend its life. At the same time, neglecting this project can cause expensive and irreparable damage to your home’s exterior. The best thing to do for your house is to begin planning a full exterior painting project now!

As you plan you house painting project, the cost of the job is probably at the front of your mind. How much does it cost to hire a painter to paint your house? Simply put, it depends! Painting projects come in all types and sizes, and the materials, the skill-level of the house painters, and the size of the job all impact the final cost of a new coat of paint.

Step into any hardware store or paint store and you’ll notice seemingly endless choices of paint you can buy for your home. Countless brands offer a variety of luster and sheen in any color you can dream up. How do you choose the right paint for your home’s exterior or interior paint job? The key to selecting the right paint for your house is in understanding the importance of quality paint.