How to prep steel tubing for paint?

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Hobby welder here, I have some steel 1 1/2 square tube I am using to make some end tables.  I noticed the metal comes with an oily film.  Will removing this film with soapy water be enough to prep for paint or does it require sanding with 80 grit until the surface is shinny?Thanks in advnace
Reply:If you are going to use decent paint you will be fine with soap and water or a mild degreaser, if there is rust, scale or just gunk left when your done, lightly sand till the surface is somewhat uniform color and no big rust spots are present. Wipe it with acetone or something that doesn't leave a residue. Spray it and call it a day!  I personally don't use any water on the last wipe down.. Keeps the flash rust to a minimum.Real welders know how to penetrate!(Equipment)Whatever can be used to beat my opponent into submission!
Reply:Originally Posted by Dantheharleyman99If you are going to use decent paint you will be fine with soap and water or a mild degreaser, if there is rust, scale or just gunk left when your done, lightly sand till the surface is somewhat uniform color and no big rust spots are present. Wipe it with acetone or something that doesn't leave a residue. Spray it and call it a day!  I personally don't use any water on the last wipe down.. Keeps the flash rust to a minimum.
Reply:I used tTide pre and post fabrication. If it is getting painted, I often use a DA sander, or a jitterbug sander with 100 grit paper and lightly scuff it up.
Reply:Acetone, primer and paintLincoln Pro Mig 180Lincoln Pro Core 125Hypertherm 30xpPorter Cable Drill PressAcra 7x12 bandsaw48" sheet metal brakeCrap load of other tools, working on metal now.
Reply:DO NOT sand any grease or oil into the metal. Clean ALL off first then sand if needed.Tim Beeker.
Reply:What I do when I get some new steel home for a project is wipe it down with some acetone or at least paint thinner. If there is any sign of rust, I then run the wire brush on a grinder over it, and wipe it down with thinner again till it's clean and prime with Rustoleum Rusty Metal Primer. All this before any cutting and welding. Then all I need to do is, knock the primer off where the weld goes during joint prep. This cuts down on all the cleaning when the project is done. It's easier to clean and prime everything when it is in long straight pieces than after it is all cut and welded together. Use whatever primer you desire, Rustoleum is what I use though. Your hands, gloves and everything stays cleaner, and no extra rust can form during the project. When your done with it, just do touch up priming and paint it.
Reply:Painting new metal with millscale is no problem..If it has light rust, I wire wheel it.Some new metal I bought had oil on it...Mineral spirits and paper towels work good...
Reply:I think if it has a little rust then wire wheel it. Prime it with red seal primer and paint. Paint will stick better.
Reply:I like to wipe everything down with paint thinner before I spray it to get off any grease. Use a clean rag that wont leave dust behind. I usually use those disposable shop towels.
Reply:Personally I think that if you want a good quality, durable paint job on things made out of tube steel it needs to be sand blasted first.