Is there any special attention that should be paid in applying vinyl lettering to a raw unpainted galvanized metal door. I know that galvanized metal can repel paint so it requires special treatment and primer. Any experience anyone?
Thanks in advance!
Happy Signing.....Marty
------------------ Marty Happy Happy Ad Sign & Design Regina SK, Canada happyad@sk.sympatico.ca
posted
Although zinc is not the best thing to hold paint the main thing that creates the adhesion problem is the"fish oil" they use to treat the panels when they are manufactured(It's applied to keep the sheets from sticking and corroding).
There are 2 things you can do...wait for the door to naturally age (a year or two should do it) or go to your local automotive paint store and ask for a bottle of Dupont Metal Prep...(follow the directions on the bottle)it will turn the metal slightly dark but the sheen can be brought back alive(if thats important) with a little 400 grit wet or dry sand paper(used dry).
This all sounds complicated but it can be done in a matter of minutes and you'll like the results.If you are unsure try it on a piece of galvanized scrap before you do the door.
"Werks fer me it'll werk fer you"
------------------ Monte Jumper SIGNLanguage/Norman.Okla.
[This message has been edited by Monte Jumper (edited February 23, 2000).]
posted
Since you only got one reply ,I'll stick my kneck on the log. We have applied vinyl to galvanized metal (old stuff) several times! Found no problems,long term or otherwise. Roger
------------------ Roger Bailey Rapid Tac Incorporated Merlin, OR
I lettered a galvanized panel 10 or 15 years ago; it's still hanging inside a storefront window and it looks as good as the day I lettered it. I used lettering enamel, though, and let the galvanized background show.
I remember being leary of the substrate and believe I wiped it with lotsa paint thinner and then methyl alcohol. No sanding, though.
If I were doing it in vinyl for outdoor use, I might want to edge-seal the lettering. I would leave a small test edge unsealed to see what happens.
Good luck,
Frank
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Posts: 807 | From: Albany, NY USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I had a project that we did about 4 years ago...the customer specifically requested a galvanized 2'x20'sign....I was afraid to paint it, so I sheeted the whole surface with vinyl.
Now, 4 yrs down the line, the vinyl is a little faded...but no peeling or repulsion at all. Do not be afraid of it. these were NEW sheets I got from a buddy in the heat and air business.
just my 2 cents
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Master's Touch Signs & Screenprinting Clinton AR 5017456246 ICQ 17430008 Signs of Excellence!!!
Posts: 2500 | From: Clinton, AR USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Hi Marty, I've never applied vinyl to galvanized, but I made a welded sign frame out of galvanized fence posts several years ago. I was told that the paint would never stick but it still looks good as new. After welding it together, I thoroughly rinsed it with 1. lacquer thinner 2. mineral spirits 3. white vinegar (can't remember if the order is correct) I then primed with white primer especially for galvanized metal(I think Glidden) then topcoated it. Think maybe it was the vinegar then the mineral spirits then..... oh well, it worked!
------------------ Wayne Webb Webb Sign Studio,Inc. Blastin' "woodesigns" in Chipley, FL "autograph your work with excellence" webbsignstudio@digitalexp.com
Posts: 7403 | From: Chipley,Florida,United States | Registered: Oct 1999
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I used to work in a sheet metal shop when I was a kid, well-I'm still a kid, just an older kid!! Anyway, all we ever did to "galvie" was wipe it down good with vinegar, and then primed and painted it. I would think that wax and grease remover would probably do about the same thing.
------------------ Mike Duncan 2315 H Street Bellingham, WA 98225 eves 360-738-9846 days 360-671-7165 mikeduncan99@home.com $$ Supporter, 1998 & 1999
"Good Luck many times comes disguised as hard work."
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