With the many different types of trendy colors available these days in the easy to use spray can, the basic home paint job on small items around the home is made that much easier for the do-it-yourself handyman. This is especially the case with metal furniture such as bed bases, tables and chairs in the home being knocked accidentally and paint chipped leaving them with a tired look.
If you want to freshen up a chipped piece of furniture with a nice paint job then follow these 12 tips-
1. Find some old clothes or a pair of overalls. Use a face mask and protective eye wear as protection from flying paint particles and rust dust during sanding.
2. If rain is threatening and it’s windy outside use your garage. Place a drop sheet or old sheets of newspaper on the floor.
3. Rub down the object with sandpaper to remove any chipped paint, scratches or surface rust.
4. If the object is a metal chair and been left outside it may have serious signs of rust that may be too difficult for sandpaper to remove. In such cases a wire brush should be used or a electric drill with a circular wire brush as a last resort.
5. For a smooth finish use a light gauge sandpaper to finish off.
6. Cover with masking tape any part of the object that is not required to be painted and remove or unscrew any part of the object to avoid accidentally covering with paint
7. Obtain a gloss enamel metal spray paint that has a built in primer. A wide selection of spray paints in modern colors can be bought from most hardware and paint shops.
8. Prior to painting, ensure you shake the can well for at least one or two minutes so the contents have been mixed thoroughly.
9. Spray a small amount on a piece of newspaper before you start to ensure the paint has mixed and the spray is coming out of the nozzle properly.
10. Hold the can 12-18 inches from the object and spray quickly over the entire surface of the object until it has been covered on the top, sides and bottom.
11. It is important to keep the spray can moving throughout the painting process.
12. Leave until completely dry and apply a second coat if considered necessary.
After the paint has dried pull the masking tape away and reassemble the object if necessary and you are left with a fresh looking painted piece that will delight and surprise you.
If you are a handy DIY person, there are many things to consider before you begin your metal roof painting project apart from how much money you are likely to save
The most important consideration you need to think about is your personal safety. This may not be an issue of course if, for example, your roof is flat and you are alert and aware of all the hazards around you, so preparing the surface, applying the primer and metal paint may not be too difficult.
On the other hand, if your roof has steep gables, is high off the ground or is difficult for you to stand up on, then the risk factor to your safety is increased greatly.
As a general rule, if your safety is compromised or likely to be put at risk then you should seriously consider hiring a qualified painter because they will have the know-how and skill to complete the job safely and professionally.
If you have assessed the risks involved and are intent on painting your roof then check your ladder to see if it is in top condition. If your ladder is showing signs of fatigue or is unsteady when placed upright then replace it or borrow a reliable one. Also before you even begin have a look at the weather conditions and forecast.
This will ensure you’re not caught out if it begins to rain while on the roof or when your newly painted roof is only half dried.
Wear non slip footwear but be aware many metal roofs can be very slippery under foot and special shoe braces should be used particularly if the roof has sharp angles. If there is moisture on the surface of the roof then wait until it dries.
Ensure you are not alone at home while you are painting in the event of an emergency or accident. For added protection while on the roof secure a harness to your belt and attach the lead to a firm section of the roof to prevent you from falling.
Finally, wear overalls if possible and other protective type apparel such as eye protectors and gloves if you need to use abrasive chemicals or other bonding agents in your preparation work.
These days painting any metal surface is not all that daunting provided you have the proper products, equipment and have carried out the required preparation.
In fact, you can get a first-rate professional finish with little difficulty simply by applying your imagination and creativity by using a good quality colorful metal paint to freshen up a wide range of metal appliances, furniture, sheds, balustrades, cabinets, pipes, tools and other objects.
Before heading down to your paint shop to buy your tins of primer and metal paint you will need to firstly make sure the item you are about to paint is made of metal and not another substance like aluminum or stainless steel. To find out if the surface you are about to paint is metallic use a magnet, because if the object is metallic the magnet will stick to it. As a general rule, if the material is aluminum it will scratch when scratched with a sharp nail and if it is stainless steel the nail will not leave a scratch mark.
Preparing the Surface for Painting
When you’re painting any metal object, it’s important to ensure you carefully plan the preparation work before you pick up your paint brush. For example if you want the item you’re about to paint to look really sharp, then it’s vital you take steps to remove any sign of dust, dirt, grime, oil or surface rust.
A stiff wire brush can be used to scrub away any surface rust while a strong cleaner that won’t leave any residue should be used to wash away any dirt or grime. Any sign of mold can be removed with a bleach solution. After the surface has been rinsed with warm water and wiped dry the bare metal can then scuffed with sand paper ready for priming.
