Peeling – From Galvanized Metal

DESCRIPTION

Paint that has lost its adhesion to a galvanized metal substrate (e.g. the surface that has been painted).

POSSIBLE CAUSES

New galvanized metal, a product used to make corrugated sheets, gutters, and downspouts, is usually smooth and is coated with a layer of oil to prevent white rust. Paint applied over this oily surface will peel quickly.
Alkyd/oil paints that are applied to galvanized metal will adhere initially, but will quickly fail. The zinc of the galvanizing will chemically react with the alkyd binder of the paint, creating a “soapy” film (saponification) on the galvanized metal and causing the coating to peel.
When unpainted galvanized metal is exposed to the atmosphere and allowed to weather without being painted and is exposed to the atmosphere, the protective zinc coating will oxidize into a white rust until eventually the zinc metal is depleted. The underlying steel will then rust.
When new this oily galvanized metal is painted during cold or highly humid conditions, the curing of the paint film is retarded, resulting in wrinkling and loss of adhesion.

SOLUTIONS

The galvanized metal’s protective layer of oil must be completely removed. Clean using a water-soluble cleaning agent such as ProClean Professional® PrepWash Cleaner.

Most hydrocarbon solvents, including mineral spirits, leave a thin layer of residue that leads to adhesion failure of the paint film. Instead, use a water-based cleaner/degreaser, such as ProClean Professional® PrepWash Cleaner to clean a galvanized surface.

A weathered galvanized surface develops a layer of white rust, which must be removed to ensure good adhesion of the coating. Wire brushing or scrubbing with a stiff brush or abrasive pad is recommended to remove the white rust.

Remove iron rust by wire brushing, sanding, or other abrading method; prime bare steel the same day it is cleaned. Severely rusted gutters should be replaced.

Test the coating in a 6″ to 12″ radius around any peeled areas to be sure the adhesion is adequate.