how to hammerite

[The Vice Squad]

Not really butchering metal, more trying to fix it.

Complete DIY newbie, so please be nice!

I have 2 benches at our little school that I need to refurbish. They're not really too bad, just flaky paint and a little bit of rust. My question is, do I just wire brush off the flaky bits and hammerite over the top, or do I need to spend a lot longer prepping the metal and removing old paint?

I did warn you I'm new to this, so apologies for the (probably) really obvious question, it's not easy being blonde!! #-o

 

[marcros]

just remove the flaky paint and go for it I believe. The rust gives the paint a good key, and the paint seals it from the air so that it cannot get any worse IIRC.

 

[The Vice Squad]

brilliant thank you, nice to hear the easy way is the right way for a change!

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Warming the Hammerite up first will make your job easier.

 

[The Vice Squad]

That's a handy tip, thanks especially as I will be outside on Saturday doing it and the weather is not being too kind at the moment! :shock:

 

[Racers]

Hi,

Keep stirring it as well or you will use up all the hammered finish.

2 coats are best try to get them on not to thick as runs can be a problem.


Pete

 

[MARK.B.]

It would be a good idea to give the whole top a quick rubdown to give a key for the new paint and dont forget to wipe away the dust

 

[Bradshaw Joinery]

2 coats wet on wet (tacky), otherwise the second coat can melt the unset first coat, causing it to crackle.