Read the directions on the can, most spray paint will bubble and
blister if you recoat after an hour.

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______________________________
Keep the whole world singing . . . .
DanG (remove the sevens)




"SteveB" wrote in message
...

"CWLee" wrote in message
...

I don't understand the difference, in terms of longevity and
appearance, of painting a sheet of perforated steel with
black paint from a spray can, or having it powder coated
black. The holes in the steel are very small diameter
(1/16") and close together (1/8" centers). This sheet of
steel "screen", about 3' by 4', will be going into a screen
door, replacing the older and deteriorating mesh screen
currently there.

I'm concerned about some of the holes filling with paint,
but that seems a risk in either case.

On what basis would you decide between these two approaches
to coloring the raw steel black? Do you have other
suggestions for this project?

Thanks.
--
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CWLee
Former slayer of dragons; practice now limited to sacred
cows. Believing we should hire for quality, not quotas, and
promote for performance, not preferences.


Spray painting @ 2 cans would be less than ten bucks for GOOD
paint.
Powder coating might be ten bucks a square foot.

No doubt about it that powder coat would last longer, as it is
baked on, and has a surface sealing glaze.

If it was me, I'd just clean it REALLY good, then spray it with
Rustoleum or Krylon. And then, you can touch if up every couple
of years.

With either process, the talent of the painter will determine if
the holes are plugged or not. If you spray it, figure on about
four VERY light coats, with a couple of hours in between. The
only thing that can clog the holes is putting too much paint on
at once.

Spraying it is the way to go. Hang it up with two pieces of
wire, one at each corner. Do it in a pattern of straight lines
across the piece. Let it dry for two hours, then turn it ninety
degrees. Repeat until you think it's covered. On your first
coat, it should look like you've missed it and some of the metal
should show through. That's how light a coat you want to keep
from clogging the holes.

Steve