Finishing techniques

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Good morning,I'm not sure if this is the right section of the forum to post this but here goes:  what methods/products do you typically use to finish steel if painting?  An acid etch/self etch primer or epoxy primer first and then paint?  Any suggestions on types of primer and paint?  Environment would be interior such as restaurants or residential.  Thanks
Reply:i use automotive paints on my metal work. etching primer, primer, base coat and clear. I just recently tried this clear which is designed to even stick to highly polished aluminum. Which is remarkable. I used it on hot roll steel and it is very durable. I cleared a piece of scrap hot roll steel and let it cure for a weekend. then used a hammer to beat on it and the clear did not lift whatsoever. expensive but amazing clear coat for raw steel.http://www.por15.com/GLISTEN-PC_p_45.html
Reply:I'm a fan of automotive finishes as well. For small stuff I like buying the self etching primer you get at Advanced Auto. It dries fast and about anything sticks to it. I like the PPG Shop Line paint for general applications. It's cheap and does a good job for the price. I use single stage acrylic enamel when I do paint. I paint very little these days tho. If it can fit in the powder coaters oven that's where it all goes. It's overall cheaper and better than paint in so many ways. I got a pretty good gig with the guys I use thoI like automotive abrasives for prep. I sandblast most of it then hit it with sandpaper afterwards. Everyone's needs are different tho Expert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:I'm in the same boat with trying to find a more durable paint than spray paint. I have a neighbor that works for PPG and he says that the acrylic paint 90-453 Satin works great. I'm going to pick up a gallon from him and see how it does and I'll report back.
Reply:I also use auto stuff. But the cheaper Nason stuff and I use the hardner as well.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication
Reply:I always try to prep steel with green scuff pad and a coat of Ospho prior to painting.  Tightly adhering light rust or mill scale is OK.  Just knock off any loose material and rough the surface to give the paint something to bite on.  Rattle cans, or Rustoleum paint by the quart or gallon is about the top end of my work.I do not paint anything unless it's OK for hobby - quality finish.  Anything that needs to be high quality I farm out to an industrial or automotive paint shop.  The only exception is if I can use Herculiner bed liner paint.  I'll roll 2 coats of this stuff on myself and generally by happy with the results.Benson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector