Can You Paint Galvanized Steel? (Easy How To DIY Guide)

Galvanizing involves applying a type of thin zinc coating  or galvanized coating or protective coating to galvanised steel or iron to provide corrosion protection against rust, essentially making the painting galvanised steel or metal corrosion-resistant. 

The zinc compounds, mostly zinc oxide and zinc hydroxide, must be removed before painting galvanized steel. While it is appealing in terms of durability and functionality, prime galvanized metal, sometimes has the appearance of being "unfinished" or "raw."  

So, can you paint the galvanized metals? Yes, you can paint galvanised metals, and many people do it. Is it good for painting galvanized steel? Yes, if you're using the right paints that won't look bad and peel off after. 

It's not going to harm the integrity of the metal if using paints specifically intended for this purpose. In fact, some paints can even increase the amount of protection in aggressive weather conditions and environments! 

Most paints don't naturally make paint adhesion very well to this type of metal, which is why it's important to use specific types and prepare galvanized steel properly beforehand. As galvanized steel weathers naturally, byproducts develop on the surface creating the zinc patina or zinc carbonate.

You can also change the color of partially weathered galvanized steel through other methods, but it's not quite as easy as just using paint coating to change its color.  

Yes, if you’re using the right kind of spraying paint. You can’t use just any spray and expect it to adhere to galvanized steel. 

Yes, if the paint is not acrylic or latex  or latex paint and alkyd based paints and is instead specifically for galvanized metal. However, the pipe needs to be prepared properly as well. 

Yes, you can paint a metal roof if you’re using an acrylic latex paint.

As long as you're abrading and priming it first, yes, you can! 

The hot dip galvanized coatings are often known as a “duplex paint systems," you can paint over protective coatings after it's properly prepared and if you're using the right kind of paint. 

First off, you need to select the right type of paint to use on galvanized surface.

The paint should be made for the specific purpose of being used on galvanized steel/iron and applied according to the directions indicated by the manufacturer.

Some like acrylic latex paint; however, these are not designed for this purpose and will not adhere correctly.  

What type of paint is used on galvanized steel? Zinc-based paints, typically. You can also use cold galvanizing paint and hot-dip galvanizing paint, though the latter is preferable for most people.  

It's equally as important to know how to do surface preparation of the painting galvanized metal surface before painting. You first need to do solvent cleaning of the entire surface, removing any dust, grime, dirt, or any other film or buildup on the metal.

Rust-Oleum Mathys ND14 Cleaner Degreaser gets rid of any grease, oils, proteins, dirt, etc., that may be on the surface and is an excellent option for ensuring the galvanized steel or bare steel is sparkling clean.  

This is a bit of a "secret weapon," but using white vinegar on a clean rag and wiping down the metal surface you want to paint will help to promote paint adhesion! Some use a commercial primer, and there are many great ones like the Coo-Var Water Based All Metals Primer.    

Then apply Teamac Mordant Solution (T Wash), all surfaces must turn black, any areas that don't re-clean or any surface imperfections left, then re-apply T Wash. Once the underlying steel has progressed through these stages, it is considered ready for dipping into the zinc bath at a temperature between 820-860° F.

You may want to sand or “sweep blasting” the newly galvanized metals as well if you feel it’s really uneven or has a lot of bumps/blobs on the surface, but that’s more personal preference than a necessity. However, if the metal is a smaller amount it may not be possible or simply would cost more than it makes sense to invest.  

Now, let’s talk about exactly how to paint galvanized metal surfaces. Do you know how to prep galvanized steel for paint? We’ll discuss it all right here. 

What are the safety precautions a painter should take before and while painting galvanized metal?

Make sure if you opt to use an ammonia solution on metal instead of white vinegar that you do so in a very well-ventilated area. We recommend using proper ventilators/ eye protection if you're going to sweep blasting the metal before painting.  

How do you get the paint to stick to galvanized surface? The galvanized surfaces need to be cleaned and primed properly, but you also need to use a paint that’s made for this intention.  

How can you make the paint last on a galvanized metal? Ensure it's cleaned, that rust and stickiness are removed, and that you've primed it properly.  

With just a few simple steps, it’s possible to paint the galvanized sheet metal. It’s an excellent way to update existing items or bring a fun pop of color to any of your DIY projects!