Does galvanizing need to be removed from metal before it is painted? I want the paint job to last a long time I just didn't know if I could put a coat of primer on first then paint and that would work or if i needed to remove the galvanizing first before I put the primer on?

 

not sure on that one all i know is that galvanizing contains lead that is why if you weld on it and breath it in you can get lead poisioning.

 

a thought came to mind. in old paint in the olden days why did they put lead in paint. maybe it helps it stay longer?

 

I believe its zinc not lead . Lead wouldnt be a very good coating. It oxidizes rapidly.

 

I am not sure if galvanizing needs to be removed but reguardless you need to do a good sanding on it to get the metal preped for any type of primer or paint, then I'd shoot some etch prime (or epoxy primer) then a little primer filler, block that and then spray color that will give you the best results.

 

Thanks, I guess it is off to sanding then. I was hoping to be able to leave the galvanizing on since it would be a good rust inhibitor.

 

Galvanizing does not need to be removed. There are vehicles that have galvanized sheet metal.

 

I agree with Heathen on this. All the steel rain gutters that I have seen are galvanized, then painted to match the house.

 

Is there a special application for the painting process? or will a regular primer do?

 

The cheapest way I know of to etch gal. steel is with white vinegar from your local market. Scrub the metal with scotch brite and vinegar, rinse with water, then dry with a cloth. Do not let air dry. Next you should use a zinc chromate primer, now you can paint with any paint you want.