The issue is really difficult, and it's not just a large assortment of paint and varnish products. In practice, we are most often guided by advertising or someone's opinion, because we do not have to deal with the color of metal in everyday life very often. But after all, these "tellers" do not have the faintest idea of where, how and under what conditions we will have to apply the compound.
There is one more nuance, considering that you should not rely too much on various tips. It's not a secret that most often "flashes" are not products that are of high quality, but those that are spent on advertising more money. Therefore, when choosing a paint for metal, you must first rely on yourself.
What to look for
Naturally, this paint should be designed specifically for outdoor work, and it could be covered with metal surfaces. In addition, we need to take into account a number of other points.
Application method. Not all paints are suitable for high-quality processing of metals with a traditional brush. But you often have to put them in places where only you can work for it.
Is it necessary to pre-primer metal? It depends not only on its kind, but also on the composition of the paint and varnish products. But this "convenient" paint is more expensive.
Recommended flow rate. Practice shows that sometimes the total cost of cheap products exceeds the financial investments for the required amount of a more expensive analog. It is because of the difference in consumption and it turns out "inconsistency" of the total cost of paint and varnish materials.
Drying time. Naturally, the smaller it is, the better. Even if no precipitation is expected, then the adhering dust will be in abundance.
Resistance to critical temperatures( limit).This is relevant for those regions where there are significant daily diurnal changes.
Estimated time, through which you will have to refresh the painting. After all, we are used to refreshing every year, and some "pieces of iron" are painted with a calculation for several years. For example, in hard-to-reach places, when it's hard to get to the metal and there's no desire to do it regularly. That's what you need to consider.
Specialists recommend further specifying what additives are used. In a number of cases this is of great importance.
To make the choice conscious, you need to know what metal paints are suitable for outdoor works.
Types
Oil paints are the cheapest. But if they cover the metal parts of the structure, then only not for outdoor works. The disadvantages are enough - quickly lose color, under the rays of the sun in a short time covered with cracks, and sensitive to high temperatures, prolonged exposure to liquids.
Alkydes are used, as a rule, for the painting of "galvanizing" due to the fact that they are distinguished by high adhesion( "grasping" with the base).But they are fire dangerous, and they do not differ in resistance to elevated temperatures. In addition, experts note their toxicity, so when working with these compounds you need to take precautions.
The new galvanized metal is not dyed. It is advisable to cover it when it becomes "matte", that is after 2-3 years of operation.
Acrylic paints are suitable for all parameters, in addition, they do not seal the substrate, but allow it to "breathe".Do not change their properties at temperatures up to 110 ° C.In everyday life, they should paint the heating appliances, as well as the pipes of the heating main, including those laid outside the building. It is possible to note and such "pluses" - do not burn, do not allocate harmful evaporations even at heating. But you should pay attention to the extreme low temperature - some compositions do not "like" it, so perhaps in the spring you will have to deal with a partial layer update.
It should be added that in some cases( for example, painting of iron fence poles) instead of paint with no less effect, you can use bitumen varnish.
The conclusion can be made one - blindly rely on the opinion of "connoisseur" is hardly advisable, although it is also not worth listening. First you need to evaluate everything thoroughly, weigh all the pros and cons, and only then make a decision. That is why the article does not cite as an example specific compositions, their manufacturers and prices. To the question "how to choose paint for metal" we answered, and now let the reader decide for himself which option would be optimal for him.
