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Posted on April 1, 2006 by Tyron Tollett | Posted under Consumer Electronics
Painting Stainless Steel: Overcoming the Common Problems
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The biggest problem most people have when attempting to paint stainless steel is selecting the proper paint. By choosing a paint specifically formulated for metal, you can avoid many of the difficulties associated with painting stainless steel. Also consider the environment and purpose of the object you are painting. Items exposed to extreme temperatures and elements may need a paint that is specifically made for those elements. The paint container should state on the label which types of surfaces that particular type of paint is appropriate for. Reading the labels carefully should give you all the information you need to make the proper paint choice for your project. When painting stainless steel, people tend to have problems with paint adhesion. This is usually due to the metal not being properly prepared before applying the paint. There are many different techniques for prepping stainless steel for painting. Make sure the metal is thoroughly cleaned. This can be done by using a degreaser, such as alcohol or acetone. Roughing the surface, then adding a primer can also help with paint adhesion, but take care that the roughing does not damage the anticorrosive properties of the steel. Epoxy primers tend to be the best choice for the painting of stainless steel. Acid etching is another possibility for preparing stainless steel to take paint. Acid etch primers use high concentrations of acids to damage the other surface of the item and allow paint to better adhere. If these processes seem like more than you are ready to deal with, finding a professional powder coater may be a great solution to your stainless steel painting problems. Powder coating is a complex process in which the surface of the metal is prepares by blasting to create texture. Then a powder is applied all over the surface you wish to finish. This powder is then heated to an excess of four hundred degrees. Creating a plastic type shell over the surface of the metal allows for a painted look finish. This process can be quite difficult for the do it yourselfer and should be done by a professional. While painting stainless steel is not a quick five minute project, you do have options available for you to change the look of stainless steel. Take some time to investigate the processes necessary to complete the project, and decide if it is something you can handle or if you need the assistance of a professional. If you have access to the materials necessary and the experience to do the job, stainless steel can be painted About The Author: Tyron is a professional writer and writes about various different subjects. One of his favourite subject is stainless steel. Visit the website at http://www.stainless-steel-now.com to get more information about various different stainless steel products available in the market. |
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