There are several ways to paint and coat stainless steel surfaces. Your project will look beautiful with painting, powder coating, wax, patina, or varnish. The painting process is rather difficult because the surface of the stainless steel is very slippery which makes it difficult for the cohesion process between the paint and the steel to be difficult. However, if you like different colors or textures, painting can be one of your choices.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Painting Preparation
Step 1. Buy paint
Use quality oil paint. You can use spray paint, brush, or paint roller according to the texture you want. Buy painting tools according to your needs.
Spray paint will give you the smoothest texture, rollers will add some texture, and brushes will give you lots of texture
Step 2. Choose the right wax
You can find a wide variety of waxes for polishing metal at building materials stores. You can ask the type of wax that is suitable when buying. You will use the wax after the painting is complete for final protection.
Step 3. Scratch the surface of your stainless steel
If your steel is new and has not been used often, you will need to scratch the surface first. The surface of the stainless steel is very smooth and makes the paint difficult to stick. Paint is likely to stick if your steel surface has a lot of scratches from frequent use. Otherwise, you will need to sand the surface. You don't have to completely damage your stainless steel, just scratch the surface like it's been used a lot.
- You can rent a sanding machine from a construction shop or rent an engineering tool.
- If you don't want to rent a sanding machine, you can do it manually. Use a wire sponge to scrub the steel surface, to produce scratch marks.
Step 4. Clean the stainless steel surface
You need to clean traces of oil, dirt, or dust from your steel. It is better to use a special cleaner or a degreaser, both of which can be found at hardware or building materials stores. If you use a cleaner, pay attention to the time it takes for the drying process to be listed on the bottle. Wait for it to dry completely before continuing with your project.
Method 2 of 3: Painting Stainless Steel
Step 1. Purchase a primer
Use a primer that works for stainless steel. Primers contain a binding agent that helps to bond in a wide variety of materials. Buy a special quality stainless steel primer paint so that the results are good and smooth.
White primer works best with many colors but if you're going to be painting your steel a darker color, try choosing a darker primer
Step 2. Apply primer paint
If you want very smooth results, you can rent a sprayer from a technical equipment rental company. You can also use a paint brush but it is likely that the brush will cause streaks. Apply one coat of primer over all the areas you will paint.
- If you are using a sprayer, leave a distance of 30-45 cm between the nozzle and the stainless steel surface. Try using a wide spray pattern.
- If you are using a sprayer, spray paint from one direction. The streaks are still possible but at least they look consistent.
- Let the primer dry before you start painting.
Step 3. Start the painting process
You have completed the most difficult part. Now you can paint your steel. Once your primer has dried, you can apply several coats of paint but you will have to wait for each coat to dry before adding the next. Two or three layers should be enough. Again, you have to choose between using a paintbrush or a sprayer.
If you like the streaks and texture of the brush, you can use a rag to add texture
Step 4. Let dry
Pay attention to the instructions on the paint you purchased to determine how long it will take to dry. Once dry, move on to the next process.
Step 5. Apply wax to the steel after the paint has dried
Apply a light layer over the painted area and allow the wax to dry until it looks a bit misty. Then take a clean cloth and scrub. Wax is the last line of protection.
You can use car wax
Method 3 of 3: Reviewing Other Options
Step 1. Look for powder coating services (see yellow pages)
Powder coating (dry painting) is an electrostatic process by applying plastic/epoxy powder on the surface of an object which is then baked to form a thin layer on the surface of the object. Advantages of powder coating include its flexibility, wide choice of colors and textures, and the ability of the powder to adhere to small holes and crevices in the surface without bead marks.
Step 2. Choose the right patina
Patina is the result of a chemical formulation that causes changes in the surface and color of the metal. Some are applied hot, some are cold. There are many options and you can beautify your project while preserving its natural texture. Often afterward wax is applied to provide final protection.
Step 3. Varnish your metal
Marine varnish is one way to give your metal a protective layer. Varnishes have the advantage of easy application but the result is transparent and not always desirable. Varnishes are very easy to repair and re-apply in the future without changing the result.
Step 4. Apply nail polish
For painting small areas or writing on your metal, the nail polish adheres well and produces good results. Available in a wide selection of color shades although generally red is the most widely available.
Tips
- Always follow the instructions and consult the manufacturer for best results.
- Always work in a dust-free area to avoid contamination.
- Make sure each layer is completely glued and dry before adding the next.
- For powder coating, sometimes a sandblasting process is required and usually your metal is dipped in ferrous phosphate prior to the coating process for a strong bond.
- Always start the process with clean metal. Use a degreasing solvent such as alcohol, acetone, or metal ethyl ketone.
- Never mix chemicals that violate the manufacturer's instructions.
- Wear anti-chemical gloves and protection for the face/eyes.
- Always work in a well-ventilated area.
- Always wear proper breathing apparatus.
