If you are able to, paint the pipes before using them in a project. That way, they are easier to work with and can be painted outdoors. Keep other people and pets out of the area until you’re done painting.
Plastic sheets are available online and at hardware stores as well. If you don’t have sheeting, you could use old newspaper instead. New, uninstalled pipes are easier to work with than ones that have already been installed. Rest the pipe against a covered surface or stand it up on a post, for example.
Treat PVC pipes by hand. Electric sanders are too strong and will wear out PVC but can be used on metal pipes. [6] X Research source PVC pipes will leave wax on the sandpaper over time, making it unusable. Have multiple pieces of sandpaper on hand and switch sheets when this happens. If metal pipes have rusted badly, remove as much of the rust as possible. Then, apply a rust converter primer to create a stable base for the paint. If the pipes have already been installed, use a sanding block for an easier time rubbing down tough to reach spots.
To clear stubborn debris on PVC, use acetone. Wear gloves and a mask while handling it. You could also use an ammonia-based cleaner such as a glass cleaner. If you’re struggling to remove rust, spread a rust remover onto the pipe with a clean sponge or brush. Let the rust remover soak into the pipe for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off with a damp, clean rag.
Any moisture left on the pipe could stop the paint from sticking to it. If the pipe doesn’t seem ready yet, don’t rush it! You could also wipe the pipe dry with a clean, soft cloth. That way, you don’t have to wait as long for it to dry on its own.
You can buy plastic paint online or at most hardware stores. You won’t need to get a plastic paint primer, but you could use an acrylic or latex stain-blocking primer if you wish. PVC is designed to resist moisture, so standard paint doesn’t stick to it.
If the pipes haven’t been installed yet, paint them in an open space. It’s better to stand them up on a wood dowel, post, or something else that allows you to reach both sides. If you’re having trouble reaching behind installed PVC pipes, try spraying extra paint onto it. Then, use a brush to spread the paint to the back. Getting a good coating is tough to do without removing the pipe. Spraying at the correct speed can be tricky at first. To find the ideal speed, you could practice spraying cardboard or another piece of scrap material.
To make the painting process easier, you may want to focus on one side at first. After it dries, flip the pipe over to paint the opposite side.
Be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for a more specific recommendation on how long to let the paint dry. It can vary a little depending on the brand you buy.
Remember to keep each coat of paint light and even. Make sure you don’t overlap areas you have already covered, and flip the pipe carefully if you need to in order to finish the opposite side.
Remember to check the manufacturer’s instructions to see exactly how much time the paint needs to cure. Heat, moisture, and physical contact can affect the finish if the paint hasn’t cured. If you’re working with uninstalled PVC, let it dry before attempting to connect it to anything. Existing pipes are safe to use as long as you avoid damage to the finish.
Copper pipes are often used in plumbing. They have an orange color similar to a penny and can turn green over time. Galvanized steel is also used in plumbing. Steel pipes feel somewhat heavy and are a dull gray color. Iron is similar and can be painted the same way. Aluminum pipes look similar to steel ones but have a much shinier, silvery color. If you pick up an aluminum pipe, it feels very light. Lead pipes feel very heavy compared to steel. They tend to be a dark gray color and are easy to scratch. Lead isn’t magnetic, which you can test with a kitchen magnet.
Oil-based paints and primers are more resistant to stains and damage. Enamel and acrylic products are both oil-based, so they still work well with metal. Enamel self-etching primers work very well on aluminum or any bare surfaces. It’s good for smoothing out rough surfaces for a very consistent finish. If you’re painting over rust you cannot remove, make sure you’re using a rust converter primer or else the paint won’t stick. Look for a primer that is labeled as a rust converter. Spray-on products are useful for covering tight spaces. If you don’t have to deal with hard-to-reach spots, use a paint-on version for a quicker and more consistent finish.
If you’re able to, work on pipes that haven’t been installed yet. Stand them up on a post or another object that allows you to reach both sides. Otherwise, paint the sides one at a time. For pre-installed pipes, spread a liquid primer and paint with a brush to cover tight areas. Work slowly to avoid getting the paint on nearby walls. If you’re able to, remove the pipe so you can see what you’re doing. If you’re using a spray-on primer, hold the canister about 6 in (15 cm) away from the pipe. Sweep it from side to side while gradually moving down, taking care not to overlap the primer. If you’re only able to paint one side of the pipe right away, paint it and let it dry. Once it is dry, you can flip it over and get the other side.
Make sure the primer is dry to the touch before attempting to paint over it. If it doesn’t cure properly, the paint won’t stick very well to the metal.
Apply the paint consistently to avoid drips. If you notice drips, use less paint to compensate. Avoid overlapping any spots you have already painted.
The paint has to dry, but it doesn’t have to fully cure. Metal paints tend to take a while to cure, so leave that until you’re completely finished painting.
Take care not to accidentally overlap any finished areas. For each layer, go over the pipe once. If you go over an area multiple times, the finish won’t be even. After you’re finished, give the pipe at least a day to finish drying before attempting to use it in a project. If it has already been installed, you don’t need to worry about it drying before you use it.
