Primer Or No Primer

[Chipchopper]

Hi I'm looking at painting some bright and shiny galvanized metal.

So do I need a primer, or is there a paint that can be painted directly on to the metal ?
Red is the colour I want to achieve as the final finish.

TIA.

[fender62]

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Hammerite-Metal-Paint---Smooth-Red-250ml/p/135512

[TheDevil]

100% need a primer.

The main aim of this is to coat the metal so that it doesn't oxidise with the paint.

[woofgang]

thedevil, you don't need a primer with hammerite

[TheDevil]

Thanks, however chip is asking about galvanised metal, not the paint which acts as a primer.


Galvanised metal needs a primer, or a paint that has a primer function included.

[douglas9401]

Hammerite has a primer function included.

[TheDevil]

Yep, I see that. Fenders answer wasn't there when I typed mine.

If Hammerite has a primer function included then there is no need for additional primer, however you're still applying a primer function to the metal, which is essential.

I assume Chip wants this item in the garden? If so then it really needs primer else it will rust through. I have black painted galvanised metal in my garden, it didn't have a primer on it and the whole bottom shelf has rusted into powder. The other shelves all have holes in them.

When COVID is over i'll be taking it to the tip.

[douglas9401]

I doubt it was galvanised in the first place then.

Even as I type this I'm regretting it but stuff needs clearing up.

[Chipchopper]

Thank you, to all those who answered my question.
I've made up my mind now

[bhg481]

I just happened to be searching for something in my shed and came across my Hammerite - they say if you're applying it to a galvanised surface you should use a primer first. They, of course, recommend Finnegans primer which is the same company which makes Hammerite.

[alavahalf]

If it has the name Finnegans on it you can be sure that it is good stuff !
Hammerite do a range of specialist paint called 'Direct to gavanised' .. obviously this does not need a primer.
The old Original Hammerite does not require a primer when going onto ferrous metal. But it will if applying it to galvanised.
So Chip ... you need the special paint as you have the shiney galvanised metal !