I am replacing all of the windows on my back porch. Since I would prefer to never do this job again, I am trying to do it correctly the first time. I've removed all the old windows and am cleaning up the metal sashes before painting them. My question is, which kind of metal primer should I use? The sashes have some severely rusted areas and some areas that have no rust at all. I've gotten off as much of the rust as is possible. Rustoleum makes 2 types, one for heavily rusted and one for clean or lightly rusted. My problem here is that I have both kinds. Should I use 2 different kinds of primer?

I'd just use the one for heavy rust, but their website warns against putting it on clean metal.

Help!

 

I would follow the instructions on the label, which means use both kinds where applicable.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. How about if I use the rusty stuff on the bad spots then once that has dried, I go over all of it with the primer for clean metal? I mean, it's primer, right? It's meant to be painted over.

Does that sound like the surest way to do this?

P.S. I'm serious about never wanting to do this again. There are over 50 12x18 panes of glass here. I would have just gone with replacement, but it's an older home and the sashes and small panes are part of the charm.

Thanks again.

 

I'm not completely familiar with the products you intend on using.

I would use those according to label, take care of the rust.

Make sure they dry 'flat', with no shine. If not, lightly sand these areas.

Then prime the whole sill with a high-quality alkyd exterior primer.

I'd also paint them with semi-gloss or gloss latex exterior for the finish coat.

And keep in mind that I've never seen a product that will guarantee stopping rust forever. There is always the chance it may come through again in the long run if the conditions are favorable.

The only sure way to get rid of rust is to grind it off or replace the metal.

 

Have a good look at this site.. www.hammerite.com

Hammerite Paint is specially formulated to be applied directly onto rusty metal with minimal surface preparation. Simply remove any loose rust with a wire brush or coarse sandpaper and clean the surface with Hammerite Brush Cleaner & Thinners and allow time to dry. Then apply Hammerite Paint directly onto the rusty metal surface. No primer, no undercoat needed.

 

Looks good, but it doesn't look like I can get it in the States.

 

From the Hammerite website:

In North America, HAMMERITE products are sold by Masterchem Inc.


Rustoleum's 'hammerite'

http://www.rustoleum.com/Product.asp...ct_id=21&SBL=1

Hope this helps.