Stainless steel is a material that, on the one hand, impresses with its durability and corrosion resistance, but on the other – sometimes just begs for a refresh. Maybe you want to give it a new colour, improve protection, or simply make it blend better with its surroundings? That’s perfect – you’ve come to the right place. Painting stainless steel is
a demanding process, but with our guide, you’ll handle it with ease!
How to Paint Stainless Steel – Key Steps
- Substrate Preparation
- Bead blasting the surface
- Cleaning and degreasing
- Drying
- Thoroughly drying the surface before painting
- Paint Selection
- Matching the type of paint (epoxy, acrylic, water-based) to usage conditions
- Using a primer for better adhesion
- Painting
- Applying primer and paint in thin layers
- Polymerisation process for powder coating
- Finalising
- Ensuring the coating is uniform and properly cured
Now we’ll go through each of these steps in detail. We also encourage you to use Foseko’s services, where we can comprehensively prepare and coat stainless steel for you: Powder Coating
Why (and How) to Paint Stainless Steel?
Before we move on to the guide on how to paint stainless steel, let’s clear up some doubts. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth painting stainless steel at all, the answer is: it depends.
Is It Worth Painting Stainless Steel?
There are three main reasons why people decide to take this step:
- Appearance – stainless steel certainly impresses with its silvery shine, but sometimes you need a colour that better matches your kitchen or factory. And that alone is a solid reason to paint stainless steel.
- Protection in harsh environments – stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, but in challenging conditions – for example, in marine or industrial environments – paint provides an additional layer of protection.
- Industrial applications – sometimes steel needs to be marked for easier work organisation, visually adjusted to match other equipment, or adapted to meet specific regulatory requirements in a given facility.
If any of these reasons apply to your project, it’s time to get to work. Let’s get into the details!
How to Paint Stainless Steel: Substrate Preparation Comes First
There is no good painting without proper preparation. Stainless steel, with its smooth and non-porous surface, requires special attention. This stage will determine whether the paint adheres properly or starts peeling after just a few weeks.
Painting Stainless Steel – Step-by-Step Substrate Preparation
Bead Blasting – An Unconventional Way to Achieve Better Results
Let’s use a vivid metaphor: imagine stainless steel as a mirror – beautiful, but difficult to coat with paint.
That’s why the first step we take at Foseko is bead blasting.
How Does It Work?
Bead blasting involves cleaning the surface with a stream of air and glass beads of 200–300 grit. This process removes grease, dirt, and minor imperfections, at the same time giving the steel a slightly rough texture that improves paint adhesion.
Why Is This Important Before Powder Coating?
The reason is simple, yet not every coating shop takes it into account. Without a rough surface, the paint may fail to hold. Bead blasting increases adhesion, and therefore determines the success of the entire process.
Cleaning and Degreasing – A Step You Can’t Skip in Surface Preparation
How do you paint stainless steel to achieve a long-lasting effect? The most important thing is not to skip any stage. Even the best bead blasting won’t work if the surface is greasy or dirty.
That’s why the next step is thorough cleaning and degreasing. How do we do it at Foseko?
A spray washer with six process zones removes dirt and chemicals. In the process, we use degreasing with iron phosphating, which further improves paint adhesion. Rinsing with tap water and demineralised water eliminates any residues that could compromise coating durability.
Powder Coating Stainless Steel – Don’t Leave Drying to Chance
There’s nothing worse than moisture on a surface that is being coated. Damp steel is an invitation for bubbles, unevenness, and poor paint adhesion. At Foseko, we use specialised equipment to ensure every element is perfectly dry before painting.
How to Choose the Right Paint for Stainless Steel?
Not every paint is suitable for stainless steel. The key is to match the product to the conditions in which the steel will be used:
Epoxy Paints for Powder Coating
The most durable option, best suited for harsh conditions – ideal for industrial and outdoor
environments.
Acrylic Paints – Easy Application of Multiple Layers
Easy to apply, quick-drying, but less resistant than epoxy paints.
Water-Based Paints
Eco-friendly and easy to use, though better suited for areas with lower protective requirements.
And one important tip – don’t forget the primer. Without it, the paint won’t adhere to the smooth surface of stainless steel.
How to Paint Stainless Steel: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying the Primer
Primer is the foundation of a durable coating. Apply a thin coat by brush, roller or spray, always following the direction of the steel’s grain. Then allow enough time for the primer to dry completely.
Painting
Apply the paint in 2–3 thin coats. Let each coat dry before applying the next. Thin coats help prevent runs and ensure a uniform finish.
Polymerisation (for Powder Coating)
If you’re using powder paint, the components must undergo polymerisation. In an oven at 160–200 °C, the coating cures and hardens, becoming resistant to scratching and corrosion.
Powder-Coated Steel – Summary
Painting stainless steel requires precision and the right tools, but the results are worth it. Proper preparation – bead blasting, degreasing, drying – combined with the right choice of paints and application techniques ensure durability, aesthetic appeal, and an anti-corrosion effect (resistance to rust).
Planning a project? Get in touch with us at Foseko – we’ll help you achieve results that meet your expectations!
