Do you want to know how to paint stainless steel? It’s such a versatile material, used in the home, office and industrial and commercial sectors, to varying degrees. A clean-looking metal in its natural state, it can be adapted to complement a range of environments by clever use of paint. Knowing how to paint stainless steel properly will add a string to your DIY painter’s bow.
Whether you want to know how to paint it using the traditional tin of metal paint and brush, or whether you’re interested in learning how to spray paint stainless steel, here are a few tips and tricks to get you started.
How to Prep Stainless Steel for Paint
- Sand and de-grease the surface with a mild detergent or mineral spirits
- Remove debris, rust, and old paint
- Repair any holes or dents
- Apply primer before you start
Using a Primer
When painting stainless steel, you need to consider which primer to use. Priming is one of the most critical steps, as it prepares the surface for finished coating. The best primers to use, when looking at how to paint stainless steel, are rust-inhibiting primers, galvanised primers and iron oxide primers. They are specifically designed for use on materials such as stainless steel.
How to Spray Paint Stainless Steel
If you’ve been researching how to paint over stainless steel, you might already know how to spray paint stainless steel. In this instance, epoxy spray paint is the best type of paint. It’s available in various colours and finishes, such as matte, satin and gloss, so you can tailor it to your specific needs.
- Spray using a back-and-forth motion, to get an even finish
- Apply multiple thin coats
- Allow 15-30 minutes for each coat to dry
- Factor in 24 hours for the final coat to fully dry
How to Get Paint off Stainless Steel
Whether you’ve had a change of heart and want to update your paint colours, or you have an item that has some paint residue that needs removing, there are things you can do to prepare the surface for another coat.
- Vinegar is an effective solvent that’s great for removing dried paint from a range of metals, including stainless steel.
- Using scratch-free, sink bleach on a wet cloth is another way to get rid of unwanted paint on stainless steel surfaces.
- Turpentine or lacquer thinner, on a soft cloth, followed by rinsing with water is another way to tackle the problem.
Painting Tips at BC Paints
For the best results, use a reputable paint supplier with specialist knowledge of this type of project, such as Black Country Paints. Get your preparation right, use good quality materials and take advice from the experts if you need it. Most mistakes are reversible, so don’t be afraid to give it a go, and you might find you’ve acquired a brand-new skill!
Contact our friendly and professional team today for advice from the experts.
