Owning a metal carport is considered a good investment. It protects your vehicles and other assets that need storage space. Although steel structures are durable, the surface may still fade. Painting your metal carport can give it a fresh look.
By getting a carport paint job, you can maintain its original condition or change the color scheme. Painting may be beginner-friendly, but do not rush into this. A carport painting project might be more complex than it appeared at first. Here are some questions you might ask when painting your metal carport:
Can metal carports be painted?
Yes, it is possible to paint a metal carport using oil-based and water-based acrylic paints. However, paint does not stick well to metal surfaces. Proper prep work and application can make all the difference.
What kind of paint do I use on metal carports?
There are many types of paint suitable for metal. The most popular options are oil-based and latex/water-based paints. Oil-based paints can cover rusted spots and flaws effectively, but they are more expensive. On the other hand, water-based paints are easy to apply. They provide corrosion resistance when you use zinc primers. In both options, you need to apply primer for an even finish. After this, apply two coats of your chosen paint.
Can I just paint over the metal surface?
Scraping and sandblasting are necessary before painting. Any of these methods will clean the surface and get rid of all dirt. If there’s peeling old paint, remove them as well. Contaminants like dirt, grease, and oils interfere with the bonding of the paint to the surface itself. Proper surface preparation allows paint to adhere well. In addition, this ensures that the new paint and coating will last as long as possible.
Tips for Painting Metal Surfaces
Consider Its Condition
Before you start, check whether you’re working on a raw or galvanized metal surface. Galvanized carports are not easy to paint over. When you apply paint directly to the galvanized surface, it might just peel and chip off. This happens because the layer of zinc on the surface isn’t compatible with the paint.
Acrylic paints are best suited for galvanized metal. But keep in mind that the application of primer is necessary to ensure good coverage.
Choose the Best Shades
Picking the right color for your metal carport might be difficult for some people. When in doubt, opt for a color scheme that matches your home. You may also choose between monochromatic or contrasting colors. Don’t be afraid to explore different shades for your steel carport. If you’re still undecided, use online visualizers to take the guesswork out of finding the right color scheme.
Mind Your Painting Strokes
Since metal surfaces can be slippery, paint can easily dribble downwards. Painting horizontally is most recommended by experts. Use horizontal brushstrokes that move parallel to the floor. When you do this, excessive dribbling will be avoided. Make sure to paint from side to side of your metal carport.
Wait for Paint to Dry Properly
To yield better results, be patient when applying paint to your steel surfaces. Don’t add another coat right away. According to experts, the recommended drying time is two to four hours. Always be patient before adding a new layer of paint.
If you apply the second coat too soon, you will notice streaking and uneven finish. Not only will this ruin the appearance but also cost you additional stress and money.
Paint the Metal Carport Floor, Too
Many people forget to paint the carport floor. Before starting, sweep the floor and use a pressure washer. This ensures that all dirt and grime are cleaned properly. For hard-to-remove stains, apply degreasing solvents that will dissolve contaminants.
Got Questions?
We hope you follow these basic tips to achieve a successful painting project. A fresh coat of oil-based or latex paint can surely freshen up the look of your carport. Texas Custom Metal Buildings of Midland is here to help you. When it comes to metal carports and steel barns, we have you covered!
No matter what type of metal building you purchase, we’ll guide you in choosing the most suitable color scheme. For questions or concerns about our products and services, give us a call. Our staff will be delighted to assist you!