Painting bare steel

What's the best way to paint bare steel?

What have you done to clean it first...then what is the best way to go about painting. I read that Krylon is good....just looking at what some of you have personally done and if you were happy with your results.

thanks

 

I use some lacquer thinner to clean off the surface and self etching primer before paint. I've painted bare skids/sliders this way and it's held up pretty good.

 

also depends on where it is being used. If under the vehicle out of uv than por15 I understand is good. But regardless....agree with rockfish...clean, prime, paint!

 

Scuff. Clean. Etch. Prime. Paint

 

Epoxy primer is the better etch...
When To Use Epoxy Primer for Car Painting - Eastwood | Eastwood Blog

 

I used krylon that said self priming spray paint or something. It was for a light bracket on my garage, it rusted right away.

 

Every product and coating system is different. Do exactly what the manufacturer's instructions say to do. The answer is really that simple and it is 100% correct every time.

 

What ever you do, scuff it with some 180 or 220 first, to give it some "bite".
Wipe clean with the solvent of your choice, spray alway.....

 

Do what Steveo says

 

. Sherwin Williams has a marine grade rust proof metal primer in a rattle can. They also have a pre paint cleaner for use after a light sanding. Top coat does not really matter it is the primer that will stop rust from coming through