How to properly prepare a Carbon steel plate for painting or coating?

Surface cleaning and degreasing for better adhering are important

The first thing to do before painting a carbon steel plate is to clean the surface of any dirt, oil and etc. This is done by washing your carbon sheet metal surface down with mild soap and water for it to be clean. Once washed, the surface needs to be rinsed thoroughly with fresh water to remove any traces of detergent. After cleaning the surface, apply a degreaser to remove any oil or grease presence. This step is more for precaution as paint will not stick to a oily or dirty surface. 

Sanding to create a key and substrate for the paint

Once the surface is clean and degreased, go over it with sandpaper to rough it up so that the new layer of paint will adhere better. A sanding block or sandpaper can be used for this. The texture gives the paint an surface to hold on to for better adhesion, leading to a longer-lasting end product. Spare no effort to evenly sand the surface so that the ink can form a firm attachment. 

Applying a primer coat to protect metal from rusting and corroding

After that, apply a primer to protect the surface from rust and corrosion. Primer is a special type of paint made especially to stick to metal and acts as a barrier against moisture and other things that can attack metal surfaces and turn them into rust. Application should be even, with proper dry time between the base coat. 

Type of paint or coating to choose for carbon steel

The environment that the steel will be used in matters when choosing the appropriate paint or coating for carbon steel. For instance, if the carbon plate steel will be out in rough weather, it could require a paint or coating that is resistant to weather. Also take into account the color of paint and finish or coating to satisfy your aesthetic needs. If you are not sure what type of paint or coating is right for your application, then you need to consult with a professional. 

Curing & Sealing Paint or Coating For Longevity

Proper curing and sealing of the surface is an important last step to ensure that it will wear for many years. Let the paint dry as recommended by manufacturer and this process is called curing of the paint. Finally, your car paint job should be sealed to ensure that the surface is protected against chipping, fading, and other damage. We recommend adding a clear topcoat or sealer for extra protection. Be sure to cure and seal following the manufacturer's instructions for best results. 

Finally, as a carbon steel plate painting or coating preparatory work, to sum up, the steps are many and important: wash and degrease the surface of the rails, light sand/grind on its surface, applying priming preventer from corrosion for your use in painting / coating by select paint / coating type properly along with cure and seal it. By proceeding through this process carefully and thoroughly, you will have a painted or coated carbon steel plate that is durable, long-lasting and beautiful. For everything to do with carbon steel plate, you can trust Jiate Steel for a top-notch product and expert advice in how to properly prepare (and paint) it.