How to prepare gutters for repainting?

Wayne3

Looking for best way to prep galvanised gutters which have paint peeling. Do I remove all the paint with mechanical wite wheel and sanders? Or do I rub as much as I can with 180 wet and dry to save work? Then prime with galv primer then 2 coats of weather shield. Main concerns are,  if I don’t take all the paint off you will see it under the paint or the primer lifting the paint that is left on? 

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Wayne3. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about restoring gutters.

It's important to remove all compromised paint from the gutter to avoid future peeling or delamination. If any old paint that's already peeling or weakened is left behind, the new primer and paint will struggle to adhere properly, leading to further issues down the track. Using a mechanical wire wheel or sander is effective for this, but the amount of work required will depend on how much paint is already peeling and the overall condition of the gutter. If you're only dealing with minor flaking, rubbing down with 180 wet and dry sandpaper may save some effort, but only if you ensure the remaining paint is still firmly adhered.

Once you’ve removed the compromised paint, applying a proper galvanised primer is key. This will promote strong adhesion and protect the metal. Two coats of weather-resistant paint like Dulux Weathershield will give long-lasting protection against the elements.

As for your concern about seeing leftover paint under the new finish or the primer lifting it, it's true that any loose or flaky paint could create an uneven surface and eventually cause the new layers to fail. That's why it's always best to remove as much of the old paint as possible, even if it means more prep work. In some cases, replacing the gutter entirely might be more cost-effective and less time-consuming, especially considering the cost of a six-metre length of new guttering is around $50. If the gutters are old and extensively damaged, a fresh installation could save you from future maintenance headaches.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell