How to Paint Outside of Galvanized Tub?

[ThornyGardener]

Has anyone been successful in painting the outside of galvanized tubs without it eventually blistering off over time when the tubs sweat after being filled with water? The raw metal is too industrial looking for my tastes. Also, should the inside be sealed? I've read that galvanized tubs are sometimes treated with algaecide and I may pop a few goldie fry in for mosquitoes.

[SueSTx]

I do use a mild dish soap and wash out any 'oil' used to treat the tanks.  Rinse well and add fish and plants.

I have never tried painting one, but I don't know why you couldn't using a metal paint.  As far as sweating...I have never noticed any.

[howardTheHumble]

Painting galvanized metal is tricky.

See this link
http://diynovice.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/spray-painting-galvanized-metal/

[ThornyGardener]

Thanks for the info, Sue & HtH. If I can find the Krylon H2O Latex I'll give it a try and see what happens.

[Lynne22]

Has anyone been successful in painting the outside of galvanized tubs without it eventually blistering off over time when the tubs sweat after being filled with water? The raw metal is too industrial looking for my tastes. Also, should the inside be sealed? I've read that galvanized tubs are sometimes treated with algaecide and I may pop a few goldie fry in for mosquitoes.

You could wrap it in something. Like the bamboo fencing. I thought about that before. You might have to cut it down though, and it would be a bit more expensive, but it would look nice. Or get the vinyl lattice, and wrap it in that. Just a couple of suggestions which might last longer than paint, and give your more design options.

[2vetts]

painting galvanized is tricky . you could use adhesive backed shelf paper that is basically vinyl .

[ThornyGardener]

I'm just painting a small 17g for mini Joanne Pring. Galvanized tub has a bigger diameter than black plastic half barrel size. I was going to make it look old and rustic -- sponge on matte white with dark green handles and lip, maybe a delicate ring of ivy too. If it works, I'll post a pic.

[Michiponder]

Got an answere for you.  Used to be a painter doing mostly large commercial and industrial work.  The problem is the zinc coating on galvanized steel.  Old school way was to wash all oil off new galvanized metal and then wash it with something acidic to etch the zinc for prep prior to painting.  A more modern way is to wash off the oil and the use a gavanize primer such as Galvagrip or Galvatite.  Latex paints will sometimes work with washing and etching.  Most pro paint shops and suppliers will have products that will work well.  Older weathered galvanized metal adheres to paint better if it is not rusted.

Mikel

[Jerry]

Michigan Ponder has it right.
I was once a Sign Painter, we used galvanized blanks. Our prep was vinegar!  It is acidic and etches the metal giving the paint something to hang on to.

[ThornyGardener]

Thanks everybody. This weekend as I stood at my backdoor looking at the deck that must be sealed, the knee high weeds, the leaking koi pond, the hardy lilies that needed to be divided, it occurred to me that I could learn to like the look of galvanized metal at least until I can make a dent in my more pressing To-Do list chores. Sigh Maybe I'll have time for artsy stuff later in the summer and then I'll try vinegar wash before paint.