I would like to know what kind of paint sticks to cast metal structures. Do you have to prime first or just slap on the paint.
Primer works best. You could use spray can primer in light coats.
Thanks for the info, I’m running down stairs to prime right now
Scalecoat I is made for direct metal painting.
It’s a good idea to clean it before you paint it.[;)] Alcohol should work fine, or hot water and dish detergent - be sure to rinse it thoroughly, too.
Wayne
Getting paint to stick to metal takes some work. First you need surface preparation. I like to etch the metal by soaking it is a mild acid, supermarket vinegar will work. The etch roughens the surface, giving it some tooth for the paint to grab. Rinse off the parts with hot soapy water to neutalize the vinegar and get any grease, oil, or fingerprints off. Dry thoughly, like over night. Don’t touch the clean metal barehanded, the finger prints can make the paint fail.
I use primer in a rattle can from the auto parts store. Guys whose day job is fixing cars demand and get the best, most stick-to-it-tive paint chemistry available. You never know about the hobby paint “primers”. They may only have the distinctive primer color, and lack the extra stick paint chemistry. Pick a primer color that will be easy for the finish coats to cover, dark colors want dark gray, light colors want light gray, red wants red.
Spray carefully. Too close/too slow will give you runs and sags, but get close enough so the primer goes on slightly wet. If it is totally dry before it hits the surface, it won’t stick as well as it ought to.
Let the primer dry and then you can use anything you like for a finish coat. The dead flat surface of the dried primer lets any kind of finish coat, water based, solvent based, stick properly.