Rawlins Paints Blog Industrial Paint Tips, Guidelines & DIY Articles
How to Paint Powder Coated Metal for a Long-Lasting Finish
If you’re looking for help “painting powder coated metal”, you’ve come to the right place.
Powder coating creates a durable, smooth finish that resists wear and tear, but it also makes applying fresh paint a bit of a challenge. Rawlins are frequently asked: can you successfully paint over powder coating? And if so, what steps are needed to achieve a lasting, professional finish?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about painting powder coated metal. From surface preparation to selecting the best primer for painting over powder coat, you’ll learn how to get perfect results. With the right approach, even the toughest powder coated surfaces can be refreshed with a beautiful new look.
Why Is Powder Coating Difficult to Paint Over?
Powder coatings are extremely durable, designed to protect metal from corrosion, weathering, and physical wear. They are applied electrostatically and cured under heat to form a strong, solid finish that adheres tightly to the metal. However, this same property also makes powder coatings hard to paint over, as most traditional paints will struggle to bond with the slick, non-porous surface.
The good news is, with proper preparation and the right products, painting over powder coated metal is entirely possible. Success lies in careful surface preparation, using a high-adhesion primer, and selecting the right type of paint.
How to Paint Powder Coated Metal: Step-by-Step Process with Zinsser
To ensure your paint sticks and lasts on powder coated surfaces, follow these crucial steps.
Equipment Checklist:
Paint Materials:
Application Tools:
Safety Equipment and PPE:
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Surface
Preparation is key, especially when painting powder coated metal. Start by cleaning the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or contaminants that could prevent adhesion. Use a high-quality degreaser, such as Zinsser Universal Degreaser & Cleaner, to ensure the surface is completely free of debris. Once cleaned, rinse it well and allow it to dry completely.
After cleaning, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (around 180–220 grit) to scuff up the glossy finish of the powder coating. This creates a texture that the primer can adhere to. Be careful not to sand too aggressively, as the goal is simply to roughen the surface, not to remove the coating entirely.
Step 2: Apply a High-Adhesion Primer
The most important step in painting over powder coated metal is priming. You need a primer that’s designed to bond with difficult surfaces. Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer Sealer is widely regarded as the best primer for painting over powder coat. It bonds exceptionally well to smooth and slick surfaces like powder coatings, creating the perfect base for your topcoat.
Buy Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 in 3,000+ colours at Rawlins
Apply one full coat of Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3, ensuring even coverage across the entire surface. Let the primer dry for at least one hour before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Choose the Right Paint
Now that the surface is primed, you can apply your topcoat. The type of paint you choose depends on whether the project is for interior or exterior use.
For Interior Metal
Zinsser Perma-White Interior Matt or Satin is an excellent choice for painting over powder coating. It offers long-lasting durability, mould and mildew resistance, and a smooth, professional finish in 4,400+ colours.
For Exterior Metal
Zinsser AllCoat Exterior Gloss or Satin is perfect for outdoor applications, with 4,400+ colours. It’s designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and provides up to 15 years of protection, making it ideal for metal gates, railings, or outdoor furniture.
Apply two coats of paint, allowing each layer to dry fully between applications. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s drying times for the best results.
Buy Zinsser Allcoat in 4,400+ colours at Rawlins
The Benefits of Zinsser Products for Painting Over Powder Coat
Zinsser products are particularly well-suited for painting over powder coated metal because they offer a range of benefits that ensure your project’s success:
Strong Adhesion
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer Sealer is designed to bond to challenging surfaces like powder coatings, ensuring the topcoat adheres properly.
Durability
Zinsser’s Perma-White and AllCoat paints are formulated to provide long-lasting protection against environmental elements and wear.
Ease of Application
Zinsser products dry quickly and apply smoothly, reducing time spent on the job while ensuring professional-grade results.
When it comes to tackling difficult surfaces, Zinsser is the go-to choice for professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
Painting powder coated metal requires a little extra care, but with the right approach, it’s entirely possible to achieve a flawless, long-lasting finish. By following these steps—cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting—you’ll ensure that your paint adheres properly and stands the test of time, whether the surface is indoors or outdoors.
If you have any questions about your project or need further advice on the best products for painting over powder coat, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. One of Rawlins’ Technical Experts will be happy to help you with specific guidance tailored to your needs.
Posted: 18th October 2019 | Updated: 8th October 2024
Hi
I wanted to spray paint an aluminium canopy that has been powder coated . There is some raw aluminum showing but mostly just powder coated . Can you advise if I can do this without stripping of all the powder coat .
Thanks
Hi Ian,
Thank you very much for your question and for taking the time to read our blog. To be able to assist effectively our Technical Team will need to know the scale of the canopy i.e. m² area and if you are painting the structural aspect or the roof/rained on aspect. Please could you send this information along with some photographs to [email protected] and our team will be happy to assist with your enquiry.
I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.
Many thanks
Stuart
Can sheet metal that is factory powder coated be painted over without sanding the surface if primed with Zinsser 1-2-3 then sprayed with high gloss exterior paint? The sheet metal is the exterior surface of the sides of a Mardi Gras float so it will be exposed to the elements (sun, extreme heat, rain in Louisiana).
Hi Terri,
Thank you very much for taking the time to read our blog and for your question. Unfortunately due to the difference in temperature and humidity from the UK to Louisiana, on this occasion we would recommend contacting a supplier within the US for assistance for this application.
Apologies we couldn’t help this time and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.
Many thanks
Stuart
what should be used to paint over a new powder coated trailer? there are a few scratches down to bare metal and before I start to use the trailer I would like to make sure it’s completely protected from elements. thank you for your time and assistance.
Hi Lucas,
Thank you very much for taking the time to read our blog and for your question.
The powder coat will need to be thoroughly cleaned and degreased using Rust-Oleum Pre-Paint Cleaner and then thoroughly abraded to create a suitable profile/key.
We would then recommend the application of two coats of Rust-Oleum Combicolor Original in Satin or Gloss.
I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.
Many thanks
Stuart
I’ve read the advice on painting a powder coated fence. Question I have though is can it be spray painted rather than brush applied (final coats – not primer)
Hello Rudolf,
It depends on the topcoat you use – Allcoat, the product mentioned in the blog post, can be sprayed by airless method. Certainly contact our technical team for a specification on a different system, we will certainly help specifically with your scope of work.
Kyle.