Here are some creative ways to paint and finish stainless steel. Make your project stand out using techniques such as paint, powder coating, wax, patinas, or varnish. Transform the ordinary into the extraordinary using simple yet effective methods for getting the most out of your metal. The beauty of stainless is that it truly needs no additional finishing beyond the sanding, grinding or graining that the fabricator used as thier final step. However, if you are looking to really make your project stand out, or just require a color or texture beyond that of bare metal, then here are some methods for you to try.
Step 1
Use a high quality, oil-based paint, and either spray, brush, or roll it on depending on the final texture you are trying to achieve.
Step 2
Visit a professional powder coater (look in the yellow pages). This is an electrostatic process where plastic/epoxy powder is deposited in a very thin layer all over the surface and then baked on. The advantages of powder coating are flexibility, a very wide range of colors and textures, and the ability of the powder to adhere into small voids and cracks on the surface with out drips or runs.
Step 3
Get the right wax. Many high quality waxes are on the market today that are especially made for metalwork.
Step 4
Choose the perfect patina. These are chemical formulations made to cause surface changes and coloration to metal. Some are used hot, while others are applied cold, there are many to choose from and they also allow you to highlight your project while maintaining a natural finish. Often waxes are applied afterwards to provide a final seal.
Step 5
Varnish your metal. Marine varnish is another way to put a final coat on your metalwork. Varnish has the advantage of being easy and forgiving to apply, however your work will have an obvious "clear coated" look that is not always desirable. Varnish is very easy to touch up later and to redo as maintenance at a later date without changing the overall finish.
Step 6
Try nail polish. For painting small areas or writing on your metal, nail polish sticks very well and looks great. It comes in every shade imaginable, though, red hues are more widely available.
Tips
- Always start with clean metal. Use degreasing solvents such as alcohol, acetone, or methyl ethyl ketone.
- For powder coating, sandblasting is sometimes necessary, and they will usually dip your metal in an iron phosphate bath prior to coating for best adhesion.
- Always work in a dust-free environment to avoid contamination.
- Make sure each coat or process is completely cured and dried before applying additional coats.
- Always follow all label instructions and do research with the manufacturer for best results.
Warnings
- Always work in a well-ventilated area.
- Always wear proper respiratory equipment.
- Never mix chemicals against manufacturers instructions.
- Wear chemical resistant gloves and face/eye protection.
