Over time, any type of metal is prone to rust or corrosion, it’s inevitable. It’s very important to protect the surface of your galvanized steel to extend its lifespan. So, how do you achieve this? One simple way is to clear coat the surface.
Using a clear coat extends the lifespan of the steel and makes it look better. Clear coating your steel also helps to prevent fading, oxidizing and damage from UV rays.
Here are a few tips on how to clear coat your galvanized steel and what types best fit your needs:
What is a Clear Coat?
A clear coat is essentially a transparent layer of paint. In other words, it’s a resin or colorless paint. Adding a clear coat makes the steel you’re painting look shiny and brand new again as well as protects the paint.
Applying the Coat
- The first step to start is to clean the surface: Make sure you are wiping away any particles or dust with a damp cloth. The surface should be cleaned properly to ensure the clear coat adheres well and won’t peel off easily.
- Apply the clear coat: When starting the application process, take the paint sprayer or brush and apply the first layer of the coat. Once it’s all dry, go ahead and apply the second coat. Adding a second coat will help the longevity on the steel.
It’s important to note that you need to wait until your clear coat is dry before you use that object. We recommend waiting between 36 and 48 hours.
Types of Clear Coats
There are many options on the market for clear coating. It’s important to know the difference so you can find the best one to fit your needs:
- Topcoat – This type of coat is intended to be the last layer applied to paint. It can be effective and easy to use giving the paint depth.
- Turbo Coat – This is a fast drying clear coat that gives metal that high-shine glossy look.
- Glamour Coat – A slower drying clear coat, it allows for more leveling and is less sensitive to moisture.
- Higher Solids Coat – A higher solid coat has a higher concentration of resin and a smaller amount of solvent or VOC (volatile organic compounds.) Containing more additives and higher solids, the clear coat has a thicker film after the solvent has evaporated. This coat tends to dry slower and is more expensive than other types.
Things to Consider
Transparency: This is one of the most important considerations when deciding on a clear coat. If you’re looking to make the metal look new again, make sure to buy a product that doesn’t cover over your base paint.
Gloss Level: Keep in mind the gloss level should be more than 90 units so the metal you’re coating will have that high-gloss shine to look just as good as new.
Ease of Application: Since the goal with most is to add a second coat, it shouldn’t be difficult to apply. Make sure you are choosing an option with a nozzle that lets you spray on the surface of the steel evenly. This guarantees that you won’t have any imperfections on the surface and will have a smooth finish.
Scratch Resistance: We all know that metal is vulnerable to scratches, so applying another coat helps to protect the surface. Choose a product that is scratch resistance and has UV protection.
Final Thoughts
One great way to ensure extending the lifespan of your galvanized steel with clear coating. Once you know the type you’re looking for, you should be able to pick up the best product for what you have planned.
