Steel structural coating and rust

[dpai (david pai)]

Hello guys,

New member here and wanted to ask some advise for a homeowner looking to do some maintenance to his property while during lockdown. Hope everyone staying safe.

I have some metallic areas (steel I-beams and non-structural) of my house that is exposed to outdoor elements. I haven’t done any maintenance since ownership. I have some areas that are showing bubbling and rust. I attached a picture. Is that rust underneath? Can i paint over the rust or would i need to sand it off? Also for metallic is there a specific type of paint I need to use?

I attached a picture to help.

[lkage (Larry Kage, CMI)]

@dpai

New member here and wanted to ask some advise for a homeowner looking to do some maintenance to his property while during lockdown. Hope everyone staying safe.

I have some metallic areas (steel I-beams and non-structural) of my house that is exposed to outdoor elements. I haven’t done any maintenance since ownership. I have some areas that are showing bubbling and rust. I attached a picture. Is that rust underneath? Can i paint over the rust or would i need to sand it off? Also for metallic is there a specific type of paint I need to use?

Yes, David, that is rust under the paint. DO NOT paint over the rust!

A good way to get it of is sandblasting but you probably don’t have one of those, So, a good 1/2" drill with a wire wheel on it can help get the loose rust off and down to bare metal.

Then, Prime it and paint it with a good exterior grade metal primer and paint…I would do 2 coats of primer and 2 to 3 coats of paint.

That is my opinion.

Edit: They make different types of wheels:

…and flappers:

[dpai (david pai)]

Thank you for the reply. Just purchased the wire wheel set you mentioned. I also have a orbital sander too I could use.

Question- For areas of the exterior metal that do not show any rust or bubbling- Would i still need to apply coat of primer or could i just add a top coat on top of the existing coat?

[mgratton (Marcel Gratton, CMI)]

@rhershberger

Use a respirator with that wire wheel, good luck finding a N95 or better these days.

I would also use googles if you value your eyes…

[rmayo (Randy Mayo, P.E.)]

Respirator is good. Depending on the age or where they came from if salvaged from another project the paint may contain lead.

[lkage (Larry Kage, CMI)]

@rhershberger

Use a respirator with that wire wheel, good luck finding a N95 or better these days.

David, you could also set up a large fan that would blow the debris, from wire wheeling/sanding, away from your face while wearing a bandana, or such, to cover your nose and mouth. Don’t forget the eye protection. And clean up the waste carefully, in case it does have lead in it.

Just some thoughts.