When you're prepping new metal surfaces, you must identify the type of metal first. Each type of metal needs a specific preparation.

For new aluminum or stainless steel:

Use a clean dry rag to make sure that the surface is clean and dry. After that, apply the metal primer to the surface.

For new galvanized iron sheets (G. I. Sheets or Yero):

Wipe the surface with a rag soaked in paint thinner to eliminate grease, oil, wax, or other contaminants. Then, make your etching solution by pouring one (1) part Boysen Metal Etching Solution B-71 into nine (9) parts water. Spread the etching solution on the surface and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it with water and dry it right away. You must apply the primer immediately to avoid rust from forming.

Note: You don't have to etch the surface if the G.I. sheets have been exposed for 6 months or more, or if you use Boysen Primeguard as your primer.

Rust or iron oxide is a chemical compound that slowly destroys the metal surface often as a result of poor surface preparation and unsuitable environment.

If the surface is rusty, use a steel brush or a rough sanding paper to remove it. If there's still stubborn rust after sanding, apply pure Boysen Metal Etching Solution B-71 on it. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, wash it off and dry it. Apply primer right away to prevent rust from forming again.

These three chemicals cause rust to form: iron, oxygen, and water (rain or humidity, etc.). When iron is exposed to oxygen and moisture, it reacts and forms those reddish flaking coating or rust. 

Don't paint over a rusty metal surface! If you just paint over it, the rust will spread underneath the paint and it might resurface after some time. 

TRUE! Freshly cut/welded steel or metal is more likely to corrode than the old one. However, weather and temperature changes may also cause the rust to quickly spread. Atmospheric corrosion or those rust caused by the weather is more common in coastal areas where the metal is exposed to saltwater and air.

The type of metal you'll use for your home should be considered based on your location. If you live in a corrosive environment (coastal, volcanic, industrial locations), it's best to use galvanized iron, stainless steel, or aluminum to lessen the risk of rust.

You can't use Boysen Permacoat on metal surfaces. It's for concrete and drywall surfaces!

Here are some Boysen products that you can use to protect metal surfaces from corrosion:

Boysen Epoxy Primer is a high quality, two-component, epoxy-polyamide system that has exceptional adhesion to practically any surface. It's designed to have excellent corrosion resistance and sealing properties for metal and concrete surfaces.

Boysen Rust-Off is a lead-free and chromate-free metal primer. It has rust-inhibiting properties that protect interior and exterior steel and iron surfaces from corrosion.

Boysen Metal Etching Solution is an acid type metal cleaner and rust converter that transforms rust and removes light deposits of mill oil. It eliminates corrosion stimulators and conditions metal surfaces for painting.

We usually don't recommend Boysen Healthy Home for metal surfaces; it's best for interior concrete and drywall surfaces.

Here are some Boysen topcoats for metal surfaces:

Boysen Quick Drying Enamel is an alkyd type paint that is both durable and fast-drying. It is formulated to give a tough, durable, beautiful, and high-build film on metal and wooden surfaces.

Boysen Cool Shades is a water-based, low-VOC, heat-reflective roof coating. This roof paint makes it possible for you to shield your home from the summer heat as its heat-reflective pigments repel light before it turns into heat.

Boysen Automotive Lacquer is a lacquer-type paint that is used to achieve the duco finish, which is a high gloss and long-wearing finish. You can use this on interior wood and metal surfaces. Just remember to use it with Boysen Epoxy Primer if you're going to apply this on metal.