Painting is a technique where a device sprays a coating (paint, ink, varnish, etc.) through the air onto a surface. Airbrushes are hand-held and used, instead of a brush, for detailed work such as photo retouching, painting nails or fine art. Air gun spraying uses equipment that is generally larger.

It is typically used for covering large surfaces with an even coating of liquid. Spray guns can be either automated or hand-held and have interchangeable heads to allow for different spray patterns.

Metal Parts Painting: The Ultimate Guide

Painting metal casting parts bring new life into the surface material and can be a suitable way of protecting the item from various elements.

In this guide, you’ll learn various aspects regarding metal parts painting, including things to look for, processes, benefits, and material used among others.

Let’s look at some critical aspects of this surface treatment.

Determining The Most Effective Paint To Use On Metal Parts

Painted die cast components

Ordinarily, paints for painting various metal cast parts are available in different types based on your budget and actual type of paint.

Of course, the available products to choose from are quite several, making it a bit challenging to determine the most suitable one.

However, you can use multipurpose paint or go for specially designed metal paints.

Nonetheless, paints for painting metals are mainly categorized into two as follows;

Oil-based Metal Paints

These are regarded as the most suitable paints for metallic parts since they provide immense durability.

Oil-based metal paint is easy to clean and resistant to corrosion and staining, or other unnecessary marks.

You also achieve a smooth surface with oil-based metal paint, and it comes out as an ideal option for covering up existing faults.

Nevertheless, this type of paint is relatively expensive, flammable, and slow drying.

Thus, they are most suitable for metallic parts used in outdoor applications.

Water-based Metal Paints

In some instances, they are known as latex-based metal paints and often preferred for metal parts used in indoor applications.

Mostly, they consist of rubber-based mixtures, acrylics, or vinyl among others.

They are non-flammable, fast-drying, odorless, and relatively easy to clean.

Moreover, these types of metal paints are affordable and less likely to fade quickly.

However, when using water-based metal paint, it becomes necessary to use oil-based primer to prevent metal underneath from rusting.

Also, some latex paints struggle to bind to smooth metal surfaces the more reason you need to consider oil-based primer.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Metal Parts Painting Color

Since most metal parts are adaptable, it means you can use them in a wide range of applications.

But some projects often need specific qualities in metal paint.

Here are a few critical aspects to look into when choosing painting color for different parts;

Metal parts painting

Application Conditions

Different projects subject metal parts to various environmental conditions.

However, the critical conditions to consider when buying painting colors for such parts include heat and moisture.

Thus, when painting die casting parts likely to be exposed to heat, it is imperative to use heat-resistant paint.

Besides, rust is another fundamental concern when using die casting metals as parts in different applications.

Therefore, it is advisable to ensure you prime the surface before applying metal paint.

This makes the part relatively durable and resistant to moisture, especially for outdoor projects.

Whether To Spray Or Not

You can find metal paints in tins or spray cans, and the choice is dependent on specific surface you are painting.

If you are painting a large and flat surface, going for paint in a can is advisable.

In such instances, you can use a roller or brush to apply paint on the surface material.

However, if the parts you are painting are irregular and relatively small, going for metal paint in a spray can is recommendable.

Ideal Type Of Finish

The design of different metal part paints suits different finishes such as matte, gloss, stain, or flat.

Essentially, the ideal finish is dependent on the type of metal you are painting.

It also depends on the actual type of paint, whether you use primer, and preferred paint thickness.

Moreover, casting parts from ferrous metals, aluminum, and galvanized metals need paints designed to cure and stick properly to attain best possible coverage.

Painting Urgency

It is advisable to go for a type of paint that can dry faster and smoothly.

Choosing a metal paint with fast-drying abilities makes it easy for you to apply as many coats as possible in shortest time.

Ideally, most oil-based metal paints often take longer to dry than latex paints.

Preparation Process Of Surface Painting

Painting die casting metal part surfaces can be challenging since it requires a lot of preparation to attain a flawless finish.

Nevertheless, here are the basic steps you need to follow when painting such parts;

Spray painting process

Surface Preparation

It involves thorough cleaning of the item using the recommended chemical detergents.

Thorough cleaning is essential since it prepares the surface for the painting procedure.

Wipe the surface using a solvent or alcohol-based substance before you start painting to remove any grease or dirt on the item.

Rust Removal

Checking for rust is essential when painting a metallic surface.

Removing rust ensures paint adheres well to the surface material.

Clean off loose rust using a brush, sand the area then apply high-grade rust-inhibitive primer.

You can use this substance to cover rusted spots and make them resistant to rust.

Prime The Surface

Priming is a critical step when preparing die casting parts for painting, particularly if you are to use them in areas exposed to moisture.

Some factors to consider when choosing a primer include environmental conditions, desired finish, and performance requirements.

The ideal primers to use include galvanized metal primers and rust converters.

Select The Right Paint

Ensure you choose the right paint that matches the demands of your application.

It is a sure way to get the best metal parts painting surfaces.

Determine whether you are applying the paint by using a brush or spraying.

Apply as many coatings as possible but ensure you maintain a consistent thickness throughout the surface of the component.

Benefits Of Metal Parts Painting

Painting die casting metal parts is advantageous in many ways, such as the following;

• Preventing the die casting metal parts and surfaces from corrosion
• Insulating the parts and protecting them from effects of high temperatures
• Enhancing the durability of the parts by making them tolerant to extreme environmental conditions.
• Increases the aesthetic value of the part or component, which directly influences resale value and making it appear more classy.
• Makes it easy to maintain the part because painting enables easy cleaning.
• Reduces breakdown and unnecessary downtime common with rusty or corroded metal parts of equipment.

Best Time For Metal Parts Painting

The most suitable time for painting metal parts depends on various factors.

You can paint die casting objects immediately after manufacturing before the parts are delivered to the market or stores.

Alternatively, you may decide to apply the paint when repairing a component or equipment.

Ideally, this becomes necessary since you use it as a post-maintenance technique for protecting the parts from different corrosive and rusty elements.

Another suitable time for painting is when you are restoring the surface material to give it a new lease of life.

In this case, you apply fresh paint on the surface material to enable it to attain a new appearance.

Factors Determining Cost Of Metal Parts Painting

They are quite several, but the most notable ones include the following;

Type And Quality Of Paint

Technically, metal paints are available in two main categories latex and oil-based.

Besides, you can find them in different quality grades, and the higher the quality, the costlier the paint and vice versa.

Method Of Painting

You may use different techniques to paint the surface material of the die casting metal part.

However, some techniques tend to be more expensive than others depending on the equipment used and the complexity of the part.

Size Of The Part

Ordinarily, large parts or surfaces are somewhat more expensive to paint since they use large amounts of paint and related materials.

Apart from metal parts painting, you can also consider powder coating, anodizing, polishing, and e-coating.

For any questions or inquiries about metal parts painting, contact us now.