Do you always have to sand down before you paint?

Question

I really need to repaint my metal hand rail of my staircase. There is paint chipping off and I want to know if I have to sand it down first? Also, will the paint stay longer if I prime it? I am not sure I have never painted before....Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

yes you do to make the surface smooth......

Answer 2

Cappii is absolutely correct. If paint is flaking it needs to be scraped until no more flakes come off and the original paint is 'tight.' Spot-prime the bare metal with a good quality metal primer; sand and dust the entire surface to ensure good adhesion of the new coating. This will give you the best results.

Oh, and one more thing -- use a good quality brush to apply both the primer and the topcoat. Check with a paint store rep but I would recommend a brush made by Purdy. Best on the market.

Answer 3

If there is paint chipping or peeling, it does need to be sanded off. I suggest a mouse sander, which comes to a point and makes sanding quick and easy. Before you apply primer or paint, wash the handrail and let it dry. Then paint on white VINEGAR. The vinegar cleans the metal as well as slightly etches it, allowing paint or primer the best hold. When your vinegar is dry, you can apply a good quality outdoor primer (I suggest Zinnser), or you can simply paint with exterior paint.

Personally, I would primer first, just because the paint lasts longer and holds better when its primered.

I am a professional painter.

Answer 4

The only reasons for sanding is to removes old paint and to make the surface smoothers.

Since its a metal handrail, I assume it as previously painted with enamel (oil based) paint right?

So its better if you sand it first, esle peeling will occur easily.
Applying priver will only slowe down the corrosion or oxidisation process.

The best way is to apply paint remover and then sanding it,
Atleast it wont be so tedious than sanding without removing the old paint.

Apply two to three coats of pat at thin intervals. Allow to dry properly befor applying next coat.

You may wish to a layer of lacquer (Use spray can type) its more easier.


Cheers.

Answer 5

Chandrea provided good advice.

You need to remove all the paint that is flaking, and sand down those spots to bare metal to remove all rust, as paint will not adhere to it. Then wipe off all the dust with a tack rag, or using a rag wetted with paint thinner.

You can use a primer designed for metal, such as Rustoleum brand. It contains a small amount of an acid to etch the base metal for better adhesion of the paint, and your finish coat will look really good.

Answer 6

Yes, get off all the extra chipped paint with a metal brush and coarse steel wool. Use primer as well. It is worth the extra time and effort for a cleaner, smoother look as someone had mentioned. Go to a family-owner IE neighborhood hardware store. MOST workers are very knowledgeable and helpful with projects such as these. The key is, going to the smaller hw stores though where you have an "experienced/mature" person to guide you. Good luck!

Answer 7

You don't HAVE to, but it will look a lot nicer if you do. Also, priming it with a GOOD primer will help the show coat look better. I would use a good scraper to get the paint off, then the sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots before you prime. Good luck, and I hope it turns out the way you want it.

Answer 8

You probably do want to sand, but I'd also suggest a primer. Check to see if there is anything made to use with metal. You don't want to be using the wrong paint or it will flake off.

Answer 9

I'd sand it down if the surface is uneven because of the old paint. I don't know if you really need to primer it, though. Some people will say you must, but I never have primered anything, and it all still looks good.

Answer 10

For the best job, remove all the old paint first. Prime with metal primer. And paint with alkyd(oil-based) paint like Rustoleum or Benjamin Moore.

Answer 11

You should sand it if there is paint chipping or rust on a surface.

This way the paint will stick to the surface and not the chipped paint. If you paint over chipped paint, it will look bumpy AND will flake off in places.