Hey everyone! I recently painted some new metal bookshelves, and despite following a series of steps, I've noticed the paint is rubbing off. Here's what I did: I sanded them with 80 grit sandpaper (should I have used a finer grit?), applied a Rust-Oleum spray that claims to be both paint and primer, and let each coat dry for about 20 minutes before applying the next one. After spray painting three coats, I left the shelves outside for an hour and then brought them indoors to dry for three days. Now, three days later, I can still rub off the paint easily. We're currently in a hot, dry climate. What might I have done wrong, and what can I do to fix this?
4 Answers
I've used that same paint on my metal filing cabinet with no issues. I always assume there's oil on new metal, so I make sure to clean it well before painting.
It sounds like you might need a primer. If you want, you could try adding a clear coat on top of your current paint; some have success giving the paint a better finish and protection. By the way, I think the blue color looks great on those shelves!
Did you clean the shelves after sanding? Sometimes, there can be leftover oils from manufacturing, which can prevent paint from adhering properly. Also, could you share pictures? That might help identify the issue!
Just checked out your pics! Are they bare metal? If they were powder coated before, that could explain why the paint isn’t sticking.
Which Rust-Oleum product did you use? Not all of their paints are suitable for direct application on metal. If it's not the right kind, that could be part of the problem.
I used the Rust-Oleum American Accents 2X Ultra Cover Satin, and the can claims it's for metal.
The paint is rubbing off on my fingers and clothes. We dusted them off and wiped them with a wet cloth after sanding. I'll grab some pictures once I get home!