Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Galvanized Metal?
Painting on galvanized metal is a tricky job. When the textured surface can be an interesting decoration for many objects, it is not appropriate for all occasions.
If you do not want to display the texture or hide the bare surface of your galvanized metal, painting it is a great idea. But can you paint galvanized metal? Can you use acrylic paint on galvanized metal?
The beauty of acrylic paint is its multiple uses. You can use acrylic paint on almost any type of surface. Still, using it on galvanized metal is a long shot. Galvanized metal is protected with zinc to prevent rusting. Zinc can identify paints as a threat to the metal and prevent them to get along with the metal surface. But following the right procedure, you can paint on your galvanized metal using acrylic paint.
Let’s know the details of using acrylic paint on galvanized metal.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Galvanized Metal?
Yes, you can use acrylic paint on galvanized metal. If you are wondering what type of paint to use on galvanized metal, then you are on the right track.
Though all types of paint cannot be used over galvanized metal due to the protective zinc layer on it, you can use acrylic paints that are suitable for metal easily. The zinc prevents any paint from getting absorbed and creates a thin layer of paint over the surface.
The film will eventually come off within a few days or weeks. If you want the paint to stay on your galvanized metal surface, you will need to wash the surface thoroughly. So that no zinc can react to your paint.
The acrylic paints that are suitable for metal surfaces can be used on galvanized metal as well. You can paint and create any design you want using these paints.
Does Acrylic Paint Stay On Galvanized Metal?
Acrylic paint is designed in a way that it can stay on various surfaces. But all acrylic paints do not sit well on galvanized metal.
Painting on galvanized metal is not an easy task. If you clean the galvanized metal surface with ammonia or rubbing alcohol, the remaining zinc on the surface will wash away. Then, you can apply the acrylic paint, and it will not create any separate film on the surface.
With proper preparation, your acrylic paint will stick to the galvanized metal surface and create a beautiful design and texture. You can customize your galvanized metal with acrylic paint however you want.
How Long Does Acrylic Paint Stay On Galvanized Metal?
Different types of acrylic paints stay for quite a long time on galvanized metal surfaces. But it mainly depends on how you are treating your galvanized metal surface. It also depends on how much damage the surface is exposed to.
If the galvanized metal surface is on a very exposed area like a vehicle body or metal gate, then it will be constantly exposed to natural adversities and mechanical forces.
If you put the paint on your galvanized metal surface following the right procedure, the paint can stay for years or even decades.
But if you do not prepare the surface beforehand or the paint cracks, then it will peel off easily. So, let the paint dry and see how it comes out.
Steps of applying Acrylic Paint On Galvanized Metal?
Painting on galvanizing metal is a multi-step process. You will need to buff up the surface, apply a primer and then paint on it.
Depending on the situation, you might need to use a sealer as well. Here are the steps that you can follow to paint on galvanized metal.
Clean The Metal Surface
Dust off any unwanted scrapes and debris from the surface. Cleaning the surface of your galvanized metal is a must. You can use ammonia or vinegar to clean the surface. The liquids are non-toxic and help the primer to adhere better to the metal surface.
Sand It
Sanding the metal surface will help to create a more paint-friendly canvas for your acrylic paint. You can use heavy-duty 240-grit sandpaper for this task.
It will even out any an even bumps or cracks. It will also help you identify which part of your galvanized metal surface needs some repair.
Prime The Surface
Galvanized metal can be pretty uneven and unfriendly to paint. Applying good quality acrylic paint will be a great way to make the surface more suitable for painting.
Apply The Paint
After the primer dries, the surface is ready to paint. You can use multiple layers of acrylic paint on your metal surface. It is better to use at least two layers of paint to get a smooth finish. But if you need to have a heavier paint layer, you can use more than two layers.
You can use latex paint, spray paint, or many other types of acrylic paint to paint on your galvanized metal. Apply the paint with a suitable brush or use acrylic spray paint on your galvanized metal.
Seal The Paint
Many acrylic paints have sealing properties in them. For those paints, you will not need to apply an extra layer of sealer. But if you still want to be extra cautious and want to seal your paint, you can use an acrylic sealer after the paint dries.
Suggested Materials You May Need
A difficult task needs proper preparation. Here are some products that will help you to prepare yourself thoroughly to paint on galvanized metal.
#1 Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Latex Paint : (Recommended Acrylic Paint For Galvanized Metal)
Whether you want to paint on galvanized metal pipe or galvanized metal door, you will need to follow the proper steps and use the right paint for it. This Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Latex Paint is one of the most suitable paints for both interior and exterior uses.
The water-based, non-toxic paint will not only make your work easier, but it will also protect you from harmful chemicals. The paint will give you full coverage and a long-lasting shiny look.
If you are looking for a painting option that will make your galvanized metal surface decorative, this paint is the perfect choice for you.
You can use the theme paint multiple times and preserve the remaining paint for later. So, you don’t need to worry about wasting the paint.
#2 ZINSSER Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer : (Recommended Primer To Use On Galvanized Metal)
Whether you are painting on galvanized steel or other galvanized metals, you will need to prepare the surface first. This ZINSSER Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer is one of the most suitable products for this task.
To prime your galvanized metal for acrylic paint, you will need to apply this water-based primer on the metal surface.
As the primer is water-based, it will not react with the galvanized surface and create any film. It will also help your acrylic paint to form a stronger bond and create a long-lasting painting effect.
The primer is not too costly or difficult to use. So, you will not need to struggle with the product to get a good result.
Over To You
Finding a suitable paint for galvanized metal is quite challenging for many reasons. If you use just any paint on galvanized metal, it might create an adverse effect.
So, you will need to consider it carefully. As a result, the question still remains, “Can you use acrylic paint on galvanized metal?”
I have tried to answer this question to the best of our abilities and assist you through your journey. I hope exploring the options and procedure helps make painting on galvanized metal easier for you.
Create interesting and long-lasting paint using your galvanized metal objects and make them more beautiful.
Further Readings
How Do I Choose The Best Paint For Galvanized Metal?
How to Paint Galvanized Metal
What Kind Of Paint Works Best On Galvanized Surfaces?
Can You Use Acrylic Paint on Metal?
How To Paint Galvanized Metal [Complete Guide]
