Topic: Metal prepping questions

[ncstatecamp]

I'm in the middle of my first build and have been sandblasting the hell out of everything getting ready for paint.

What is the best way to prep the metal after blasting if I don't plan on painting/powder coating right away?

Also if I plan to paint or coat immediately what prep do I need to do?

[jamesb]

if your painting i would at least put a coat of primer/sealer on it so it won't rust.as far as powder coating goes i don't know.

[greenjeans]

For the steel parts, I agree with james.   Get a coat of primer on it.   I wouldn't advise anything like oil etc.   just defeats the whole purpose.

[lucky]

You really need to treat all of the parts with phosphoric acid or metal prep.
Sand blasting cannot get all of the rust and if any is left it will just keep rusting under your new paint job.
Rinse the parts with phosphoric acid then water, after they are dry paint within 4 hours.

[BeSeeingYou]

You really need to treat all of the parts with phosphoric acid or metal prep.
Sand blasting cannot get all of the rust and if any is left it will just keep rusting under your new paint job.
Rinse the parts with phosphoric acid then water, after they are dry paint within 4 hours.

+1  You can blast it an set it aside and the acid will clean any minor surface rust (if any) that occurs.  I have also let the phosphoric acid dry on the metal just dabbing up any spots where it collects and these parts have been sitting in my basement for weeks with no issues.  Maybe not strictly following the directions which say to paint within 24 hours ...  I have seen it stated two ways....use a diluted acid and rinse with water (treating metal for painting)and used full strength (cleaning and neutralizing rusted surface) and let it dry being careful to wipe up any spots where it collects...both say to paint in 24 hours.  Done it both ways and had no problems.

[lucky]

Srust58 you are right. Mix the acid with some water. It will work better . look at the instructions on the product.