Painting

Hi, I'm going to be priming some of the parts of my 2 in scale D & NY Traction Engine that i'm building. Some of the sheet steel plate has a grey finish to it, and is very hard to get off. I was wondering if this has to be removed before I prime. (The primer I am using is Phoenix Precision 2 pack etch primer.) It seems to be part of the protection for the steel plate when it comes out of the foundry. Can anyone advise me please.

Garry

Sounds like zinctec steel.

No, it's just ordinary sheet steel that EKP supplies. No zinc involved.

Might be wise to ask EKP what it is, to make sure the paint you use is compatible. Just food for thought.

If it is standard rolled steel plate it is just an oxide film that can be left, or you can get it off with brick cleaner.

Neil

Yes as Neil says just a thin mill scale, probably a bit of S275 steel. If I'm doing a lot of work on a part I will strip it off with brick cleaner(acid) first if not just leave it on as it adds a bit of texture which often siuts teh fabricated "castings" that I make.

Thanks everyone.

Hi

you don’t have to etch steel as today’s primers have very good bonding to steel .

Dell

What paint do you use for your Steam Locomotive and who supplies it?

Hi there Speedy. Here is the paints I've been using.

Phoenix Precision Paints.

2 part etch primer PQ31 & PQ32.

Pre paint metal cleaner PQ17

This gives a lovely smooth hard surface.

Yourspraypaints.com

Loads of colours and finishes to choose from, and then they fill the spray cans for you.

Hope this is of some help for you.

Garry

If the parts to be primed are steel why are you using etch primer. Etch primer has been specifically designed for hard to bond materials and steel is not one of them. Much better to use a zinc chromate.