How to Paint Galvanized Metal
Have you ever been over to Barn Light Electric? Oooohhh…I love all the light fixtures they sell, especially the Wheeler Esso Wall Scone, but not the price of $219.00.
I have been searching for a less expensive alternative…you know me…I had to find a way…. and I did.
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While browsing through Lowes a few weeks ago, I found the same shape fixture in galvanized steel for just under $40. It was exactly the same except it didn’t have the infusion of high gloss color. I got excited when I realized with a can or two of spray paint, I could have the exact color wall light I wanted at a fraction of the cost.
I could not be happier with my DIY results, plus I got to paint the light exactly the color I envisioned.
Here is the Barn Light Electric Esso Wall Sconce that I love. It comes in a few different colors.
It has three different colors on it – all high gloss enamel. Green exterior, white interior, and black rim.
Here is the one I found.
I found the pale turquoise Krylon spray paint at True Value. It is high gloss so it looks simiilar to the enamel finish on the Barn Light Electric model.
How to Spray Paint Metal Light Fixture
If you plan to use your light outside – you will need to make sure the spray paints you use can be used for exterior applications. This Krylon formula is Indoor Outdoor. The white high gloss Rustoleum appliance paint and black craft paint I used are only for indoor applications.
supplies needed:
- Light fixture
- Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Gloss in Blue Ocean Breeze
- Rustoleum Appliance Epoxy in High Gloss White
- Martha Stewart craft paint in Gloss Black
- Painter’s tape
- Foam paint brush
- Fine grit sandpaper 160 grit
Sand the surface of the light with a piece of 160 grit or fine piece of sandpaper. Clean off the dust. The steel surface is smooth and this gives the paint something to adhere to.
Place your light fixture in a large box with low sides so you can pick the whole thing up to move the light fixture before it is dry, if necessary. This also helps keep overspray from getting everywhere. Since this light is round and has lots of sides to reach, spray in a well lit area so you can see if you are getting complete coverage and not applying the paint too thick.
I used foam blocks to hold the light in the position I needed it to make sure I was getting all sides.
1. Paint interior of light first with high gloss epoxy paint. It is very glossy and looks just like an enameled finish. Use painter’s tape around rim to protect the exterior from over spray and the bulb socket. Shake can of spray paint well – up to 2 minutes.
Apply evenly in light coats with the can about 8-10 inches away from the surface. Slow, light, even strokes back and forth that slightly overlap. Let dry 5 minutes, then apply another light coat. Repeat applying light coats every 5 minutes until you have good coverage. After 30 minutes, do not add another coat. Wait at least 24 hours or longer if you need to re-coat.
2. When the interior is dry, mask off the interior with painter’s tape and paper to protect it from overspray while you paint the exterior. I sprayed the shade first, then propped in the box in a way that I could then spray the gooseneck and base.
Spray paint the outside of the light with spray paint. READ the back of the spray can you are using. Each brand is different. Light, even coats every 1 – 5 minutes is the norm. After 30 minutes, if you need to re-coat, wait for at least 24 hours. If you don’t wait, you could wrinkle the paint finish. It is best to get the coverage you need in the first 30 minutes with light coats. Let dry in a dust and bug free area.
3. When exterior paint is dry, add painter’s tape around bottom edge right under rim, not over it. Pour a small amount of gloss black paint in a dish. Dip one side edge of foam brush in paint.
4. Run the side of the brush along the rim making sure not to get it on the underside of the rim, only on the outer edge.
5. Reload the brush and repeat the process until the entire rim is black. Carefully remove tape. Let dry.
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The best advise I can give you to get a factory like finish when you spray paint is to read the can’s label. Each brand writes the specifics on how to use their product.
As a rule of thumb:
-Spray in moderate temps. If it is freezing or 90 degrees, wait until the temp is around 50 – 75 degrees.
-Shake the can well, and even shake as you are painting.
-Hold the can 8-10 inches away from surface.
-Apply multiple thin, light coats.
-Use sweeping motions that slightly overlap.
-Re-coat within 1 -5 minutes between each additional coat until you get desired coverage, If after 30 minutes you still need more coats, wait at least 24 hours to apply another coat. It is best to get desired coverage in the first 30 minutes. You risk the chance of wrinkling the finish if you have to re-coat after this time.
For more tips and tricks on how to get a factory-like finish when using spray paint, click here: Spray Painting FAQ’s
More Painted Light Fixtures
- How to Paint Outdoor Light Fixtures With a Hammered Paint Finish
- How to Paint a Ceiling Light Fixture
- Spray Painting a Lamp In Designer Style