What is metal corrosion
Compared to wood and stone, metal is a universal material for giving products any shape; it is resistant to fire, temperature changes, and aggressive environments. For a long time without any treatment, it retains its appearance when exposed to atmospheric conditions.
- Then it gradually corrodes and becomes covered with rust. The appearance of the product is gradually deteriorating.
- Under the influence of rust, pieces of metal fall off and irregularities form: roughness, gouges.
- Oxygen and humidity penetrate deeper and deeper. Reacting with new layers of iron and oxidizing it.
If rust is not dealt with, it gets inside the product and begins to corrode the metal from the inside. Its damaged texture becomes brittle.
To prevent this from happening, metal objects must be processed in a timely manner. In this case, the protected surface will retain its original beautiful appearance for a long time, remaining smooth and durable.
Methods to protect metal from corrosion
Active searches for ways to protect metal products from corrosion were carried out in the middle of the twentieth century. The most common protective coating was paint.
Conventional paintwork did not solve the problem of getting rid of rust.
- It protruded out of the painted products and continued to spoil the metal.
- When removing the old layer to repaint the product, this layer partially remained and corrosion under the old paint continued.
- Applying a new layer did not provide the necessary protection.
- The condition of the metal improved after coating it with anti-corrosion substances and subsequent painting.
This method is quite labor-intensive: you need to thoroughly clean off the old paint, go over the entire surface to apply an anti-corrosion agent, and only then paint the product.
To save time and money, you can now use different paints and primers for metal work, which do not require such thorough preparation of the metal surface before application.
How to paint stainless steel
The dyeing workflow is carried out under certain conditions. Separately, it should be noted that stainless steel is painted by the method of forming an oxide film on its surface. This method requires oxygen in the atmosphere. As a result, the painted surface changes color thanks to the oxide film, leaving its original appearance intact. A matte or shiny product will remain that way.
The staining of stainless steel and the resulting color depends on the following factors:
- differences between voltages;
- current density;
- time.
Thanks to this well-known method of electrochemical coloring, it is possible to create a unique color scheme of various colors and shades. Stainless steel also becomes more protected in its properties.
A fairly common method of applying a coloring composition to stainless steel is powder coating. The process of applying such a dye does not take much time. The addition of different pigments produces different colors. Powder coating can produce a matte or glossy surface. But without the help of special equipment, this coloring method cannot be carried out.
To ensure that stainless steel surfaces are painted correctly, you must follow the attached instructions. Painting at home with liquid paint requires compliance with the following rules:
- Before painting, the metal surface is sanded.
- Having completed this treatment, the surface of the stainless steel must be degreased.
- You can paint metal with regular car paint from an aerosol can.
- The composition only needs to be applied in two layers.
By following these rules, you can achieve excellent results when painting various stainless steel products. If you do not follow them, the paint will quickly crumble and all the work and costs of purchasing it will be in vain.
How to paint stainless steel yourself (1 video)
Enamels for metal (25 photos)
Types of paints for metal
Depending on the composition, there are 5 types of metal paints:
- Epoxy – high toxicity of epoxy resins. Not used in everyday life. For industrial places with high temperatures.
- Oil for metal with oils and natural drying oil. Does not withstand temperature changes. For interior work only.
- Alkyd: high adhesion, suitable for galvanized surfaces, very flammable.
- Acrylic. Most suitable for interior and exterior work. Durable.
- Hammer: with a primer effect. On an epoxy, acrylic, alkyd base with fine glass and aluminum powder. Durable, suitable for a variety of internal and external surfaces. Forms a rough protective layer.
Choosing tools for painting
It is recommended to carry out all work outdoors at temperatures from +5 to +40 degrees. Humidity level 80–85%.
The choice of the type of tools depends on the complexity, area of the structure, and the financial capabilities of the owners.
Roller
Should be used for painting large flat surfaces. Along with uniform application of the product, it leads to an increase in its consumption. Not suitable for processing fences with bars. To paint small parts and rods you will have to buy a small brush.
Photo: applying paint using a roller
It is contraindicated to use a roller for priming metal surfaces, since due to the porous structure it traps excess air into the primer, which can cause rust formation.
Brush
An inexpensive tool that is most often purchased. Produced in various widths and thicknesses. It is convenient for painting rods, hard-to-reach areas of the fence, and decorative details, but treating large area fences with it will take a lot of time and effort.
Photo: various brush options
When purchasing, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the brush bristles. If the fluff falls out at the slightest pressure, you should not take the product, otherwise the particles will remain on the fence during painting.
Spray gun
Another name is a spray gun. Convenient for painting long, high fences. Significantly reduces time. Gives an equally even coating on all areas of the fence. In this case, paint is consumed several times less than when processing with a roller or brush.
You don't need any special skills to work with it. It is better to apply the product from the bottom up, holding the tool at a right angle.
It is recommended to work in a protective mask and overalls.
A significant drawback is the high price of the tool.
Photo: a spray gun is a faster method of painting, but requires special equipment.
An electric spray gun is not suitable for applying thick paints such as hammer paints due to lack of power.
How to choose paint for metal
Currently, there are types of coatings for effectively combating corrosion of various metals under special conditions of their use:
- For roofing galvanized metal;
- Oil and petrol resistant paint protects against aggressive chemical environments;
- Wear-resistant is used for moving parts subject to mechanical stress;
- It is good to cover garden tools and slightly damaged metal surfaces with hammer paint, which both primes and provides a beautiful color finish;
- In shipbuilding, corrosion resulting from exposure to salt water is prevented using aluminum-based paints and varnishes;
- For cars, special means of different types are used: protecting the surface of the body from harmful atmospheric phenomena; oil or wax based, protecting hidden areas subject to mechanical damage, dirt, and salts; anti-gravel anti-corrosion agents for open areas of the car.
Preparatory stage
Powder paint for stainless steel should be applied to the prepared surface. The preliminary stage involves the following:
- Inspection of processed parts to identify defects (scratches, chips). Shallow imperfections on a smooth stainless steel surface can be preserved to improve adhesion.
- Making the material being painted rough. If we are talking about small parts, then a metal brush is suitable for processing. In other cases, it is better to use a grinder with an appropriate attachment. A medium-grit abrasive disc will do.
- Cleaning the part from processing products. A wet cloth is suitable for removal. The part must be thoroughly wiped.
- Degreasing. Grease stains on stainless steel will impair paint adhesion, so alkaline or acidic compounds are used. When degreasing with such compounds, it is necessary to observe safety precautions (ventilate the room, wear gloves and a respirator). At home, you can degrease the part using a soda solution (4 grams of soda per 100 ml of water).
- Drying the part before painting.
Pay attention to: Painting a barbecue: features of the choice of paint and application technique.
Personal protective equipment is required during the preparatory stage and during painting.
Cleaning and degreasing the surface
Anti-corrosion paint manufacturers
High-quality paint and varnish coatings for metal are produced by domestic and foreign manufacturers.
- To protect your car from rust, it is good to use products from the brands Movil, Anticorrosit, Futura, Kirye, and Forrex.
- Industrial coatings are produced by manufacturers of paints and varnishes: a group in the Moscow region, a Russian group located in St. Petersburg.
- A large assortment of professional coatings for metal products from Ukrainian from Kharkov. These are professional paints, primers for metal with a hammer effect, metal shaving effect and others.
- Finnish has a large selection of paint and varnish coatings.
Excellent protection against environmental influences is provided by the Hammerite brand paints, which have long been known on the market, and are now produced by the AkzoNobel concern.
Special synthetic resins provide a dirt-repellent effect. The paint's constituent components are tiny particles of tempered glass, which stick together when dry, forming a waterproof coating.
From “Hammerite” you can choose matte, semi-matte, glossy, hammer paints. The latter creates a hammer-like surface, a rough surface similar to a forged one.
High quality distinguishes paints from the Senta trademark. The Turkish factory Sentapol is presented on the market with two types of forging paints: anti-corrosion epoxy-based texture paint Senta Miofe (Miofe), anti-corrosion hammer paint Senta Hammer (Hammer).
These are finishing paints that can be applied to unprepared metal to create a ball of protection with a hammer effect. They contain primer and finishing dye. The epoxy resin in the composition provides longer-lasting protection.
Dyeing process
Before painting an iron fence, it is necessary to prepare the material by removing old coatings and problematic elements. Afterwards the surface is primed, and only then can you begin to apply layers of paint.
Before painting an iron fence, it is necessary to prepare the material by removing old coatings and problematic elements.
How to remove paint from an old fence
If the fence was previously painted, then it is necessary to completely remove the previous coating so that it does not fall off due to age along with the new paint. There are three options:
- Mechanical, cleaning will be faster if you use a mechanized method. The tools can be a grinder, a drill with a grinding attachment, or a sandblaster. The manual version is labor-intensive; sandpaper, a metal brush, and a scraper are used. You will also have to resort to these devices to process small parts;
- Thermal, the base needs to be heated, you can choose a blowtorch, torch or hair dryer, the heat peels off the paint layer and it can be pryed off with a spatula, but only work with small areas can be done. The painted layer will release toxic elements when heated, so be sure to wear a respirator;
- Chemicals, they help remove the layer as well as rusty formations. The instructions for use are indicated on the packaging of the product.
It is necessary to completely get rid of rust and old paint so that the new one is reliable and beautiful.
If the fence was previously painted, then it is necessary to completely remove the previous coating so that it does not fall off due to age along with the new paint.
What and how to prime a fence for painting
Priming the surface helps create a protective layer against rust, and also increases the level of adhesion. For this reason, you should not skip it. You can choose the following types of primer solutions for metal:
- Phosphating;
- Insulating;
- Protective;
- Passivating;
- Inhibitory.
Anti-corrosion substances are available for sale and are marked EP-0199. The surface is protected from corrosion and other harmful influences.
Two-layer priming can be done. It is important that the primer is thoroughly dry before painting, usually waiting 24 hours.
Priming the surface helps create a protective layer against rust, and also increases the level of adhesion.
How to apply paint correctly
The paint is mixed well before use, after which a thin first coat is applied. You can use a roller, brush, or spray gun as a tool. A roller and spray gun are suitable for smooth surfaces; a brush is required for difficult shapes of the material.
A day after painting the first layer, it will be possible to apply a second, thicker one so that there are no gaps left.
If a thick film or clots are found in the coloring substance, this paintwork material is not recommended to be used, this is a sign of improper storage, the technical characteristics of the substance have clearly deteriorated.
A day after painting the first layer, it will be possible to apply a second, thicker one.
Painting metal fences is an important step in maintaining the quality of the structure. It is necessary to select a paint and varnish material that will reliably protect the surface from water and other external factors. Work is carried out only after the fence has been cleaned of rust.
Nanoceramic paint for metal
Ceramic Pro nanoceramic protective coatings are currently becoming especially popular for protecting metal products from corrosion. With their help, a thin nanoceramic layer is created on surfaces, impermeable to air and moisture, and remains on the surface for at least 10 years.
The manufacturer is the Taiwanese company Nanoshine LTD. The official representative in Russia is Nanoshine RUS LLC. Nanoceramic products provide maximum protection at minimal cost.
The use of special means of protecting metal products from corrosion will ensure their long-lasting beautiful appearance and good functionality with the least amount of time and money.
The procedure for applying paint to an old fence
It is done in four stages:
- Mix the paint in the jar thoroughly with a thin stick, a construction mixer or a regular drill with a whisk attachment. You can mix colors only with paints of the same type and preferably the same class=”aligncenter” width=”720″ height=”512″[/img] Photo: we use a drill with a mixer attachment to mix the paint
- Having cleaned the surface, we proceed to priming. Apply with a brush, possibly in several layers. Let it dry for at least a day.
Photo. Methods for cleaning the surface: on the left - mechanical (use a drill), on the right - manual (use sandpaper and hands). - Pour some of the paint into a smaller and more convenient container. Apply a base layer to the surface. The choice of tool depends on the type of structure. It is better to paint gratings with a brush, solid iron and steel sheets - with a roller or spray gun. Let it dry for a day.
Painting methods: on the left – spray gun, in the middle – roller, on the right – brush - We do the basic painting.
If you notice a thick film or clumps on the surface of a paint can, then you should not use the product. The reason for this is a violation of storage conditions. Otherwise, such paint will ruin the fence.
Painting the fence transforms the structure, giving it aesthetics, neatness, protects and extends the service life of the metal surface. Therefore, it is important to choose a quality product at a fair price.
