Field Painting, Touch Ups & General Maintenance
July 20, 2020
Field Painting and Touch-Up
- Painting over a new installation is not recommended. All coil coated paint films have internal additives that do not allow good adhesion between field-applied paint and the coil- coated paint layer. Also, because touch-up paint will not last as long as the original, keep the touch-up to a minimum. A small artist’s brush or a small air brush should be used. For additional guidance about painting, refer to CSSBI Fact Sheet 4: Painting of Pre finished Sheet Steel.
- Replace a panel rather than attempt to touch-up large areas; a spot 20 mm (3/4″) in diameter will become more prominent in time. For repainting, consult a fabricator member of the CSSBI who will provide recommendations.
Maintenance
- A thorough building clean-up after completion of construction should be conducted to remove all debris, metal filings, metal fines, etc. from walls and roofs.
- An occasional cleaning of pre finished material can extend the service life and help to maintain the appearance of the finish. For protected areas (i.e. overhangs) an annual spring cleaning is recommended. Simply washing with plain water using hoses or pressure sprays is often sufficient. Waxing is an additional method of prolonging the service life of pre finished material.
- In areas where heavy dirt deposits dull the surface, a solution of water and detergent may be used: 100 ml (1/3 cup) of a typical laundry powder detergent per 4 litres (1 gallon) of water. A soft bristle brush should be used for scrubbing followed by a clear water rinse. Mildew may occur in areas subject to high humidity. To remove mildew along with the dirt, the following is suggested:
- (1) 100 ml (1/3 cup) laundry detergent
- 200 ml (2/3 cup) trisodium phosphate (TSP)
- 1 litre (1 quart) 5% sodium hypochlorite solution (laundry bleach)
- 3 litres (3 quarts) water
Use in a well ventilated area and follow with a clear water rinse.
Solvent and abrasive cleaners should be avoided. Caulking compounds, oils, grease, tars, wax and similar substances can be removed with mineral spirits applied only to the affected areas. Detergent cleaning and thorough rinsing should follow the use of solvent.
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