How and When to Paint Prefab Metal Building

Prefab steel buildings can last for decades without significant maintenance and repair work. But it is impossible until it is protected with effective paint and a waterproofing layer. However, galvanized steel is 100% rust-proof; there is still a chance of rusting and corrosion for the structure.

Same as we carry an umbrella during rain, metal buildings also need protection from external environmental risk factors like moisture, rain, snow, and dew. The paint job is not only about protecting prefab metal buildings, but it is also crucial to maintain the curb appeal of the facility.

When to Paint Prefab Metal Building

However, you have covered metal buildings with the best paint or powder-coated finish, but it can break due to regular exposure to climate conditions. To know when to paint the metal building, you can look for some signs like:

Metal building inspection is the first part of the maintenance process. The inspection process includes listing various types of damage that occurred to the structure and signs of rust or corrosion. You can consider the maintenance inspection list to check whether you need to repaint the facility or not.

If there is any notable spot of rust or corrosion on the metal surface, your metal building needs a minor paint touchup. In the inspection process, you can also look for peeling or flaking of paint on the structure to reconsider it for repainting.

Due to continuous exposure to solar heat, UV radiation, and moisture, it is normal for a metal building to get discolored or fade on some parts of the roof or side panels. Also, sometimes you can observe that the color finish of prefab steel buildings is becoming chalky or milky, paint leaves residue when rubbed, and some areas of the metal structure are scratched or dented. In this condition, you can consider the entire building for repainting.

If you are considering a steel structure for the repaint, it is essential for you to select the appropriate daytime for the process. If you have not scheduled the paint timing based on weather conditions, your task might be interrupted by the climate conditions, and all your efforts will go in vain.

It would help if you considered weather prediction before finalizing the time and date for the paintwork. So, it will get dry before any weather interruption, and you don’t have to perform tasks all over again.

How to Prepare Prefab Metal building for paint

A paint job for a metal building is not easy as it looks. It is a sequential process consisting of various steps like planning, cleaning, removal, preparing the structure for paint, and repainting.

Several other things are essential before planning to repaint the steel structure. For example, paint is one of the protective layers of metal buildings, reducing the probability of rust or corrosion.

You first need to identify the parts of the metal building that are essential to consider for removing rust. Repainting the structure without removing paint will reduce the life of the color, and soon the metal surface will directly come in contact with the external environment.

For the rust removal process, you can use both manual cleaning and also can use power tools. For better cleaning of rust, initially, you can use power tools like a wire wheel and later use sandpaper for a better finish.

The next task that falls in the maintenance process is to repair dents by pulling, filling, or welding. For removing severe dents, you can use automotive filler for a better finish on the metal surfaces. It is also crucial for you to prevent the further spread of rust or corrosion on the surface. To better prevent rust or corrosion, you can cover the infected area with primer.

Mildew, mold, and fungus are normal in areas that often come in contact with water and moisture. Using bleach or biocides to remove them from the steel surface. At the last stage, you can clean the metal building with appropriate cleaning agents to remove dust and other debris just before painting. But remember one thing, you must let the building dry before applying paint to it. Following the entire process in the correct order will help you perfectly paint the structure without errors.