Painted Tinplate
Painted tinplate is a type of metal that has been coated with tin to inhibit corrosion. The tin layer is applied either by hot-dipping or electrolytic deposition, and most tinplate is now produced in the latter process.
The technical and material information on the metal supports of these paintings – especially the paint layers and coating – is critical for their preservation.
Preparation
Tinplate is steel sheet coated with a layer of tin. The tin coating prevents the steel from contacting moisture and oxygen, thereby preventing rusting. Tinplate is an extremely strong and durable metal used for cans, containers, toys, and a variety of other items. It also has the advantage of being noncorrosive and nontoxic.
Before painting tinplate it is important to wash and dry it thoroughly. Using warm soapy water rinse well and wipe with a cloth soaked in vinegar to neutralize the surface. It is best to place clean tinware in a warm oven for 30 minutes to fully dry.
Any rust must be removed before beginning the base coats. This is not just for aesthetic reasons but if the rust is left to continue it will cause the tin to deteriorate, crack and eventually peel away. This can be done by using commercial products to remove rust or by using a wire brush.
It is also a good idea to lightly sand the tinware in a circular motion with medium grit sandpaper and then wipe away all sanding dust. This gives the tin “tooth” for better paint adhesion. Once a tin is cleaned and sanded it can be primed. Primer can be either brush-on or spray and is a must for both galvanized and raw tin to prevent rusting.
Priming
If you plan on painting a tinplate item, Painted tinplate it is important to prime the item first. Priming helps the paint adhere to the tin and prevents flaking or peeling. You can apply a metal primer with a spray can, spray gun, or brush and roller. Follow the instructions on the primer for application and drying time. If working outdoors, it is best to work in an airy environment and wear gloves, eye protection, and a face mask.
To prepare the tin for primer, sand it in a circular motion with medium grit sand paper. Make sure to pay special attention to the edges. Wipe the sanding dust off with a slightly damp cloth. This will rough the tin so the primer can bond with it.
Once the tin is dry, coat it with a metal etching primer using a polyester paintbrush. This primer is available from most hardware and home improvement stores. Allow the tin to dry for three hours. You can wash it with tap water after it dries, but be careful not to rust it again. When the tin is primed, you can begin decorating it with paint or stencils. Once finished, I recommend sealing the painted tin surface with two coats of either brush-on FolkArt Artists Varnish (Matte, Satin or Gloss) or spray FolkArt Clear Acrylic Sealer.
Painting
Tinplate is a type of steel sheet used in a variety of market applications including food cans & aerosol containers. It is available with both the internal and external surface painted depending on corrosion protection requirements. It is cold reduced and rolled to finished gauge.
Prior to painting the tinplate, it is important to remove any loose or flaking paint. This will allow the new paint to adhere properly. It is also recommended to lightly sand the tinplate to roughen up the surface, which will help the primer and paint to bond to it. This can be done by using a fine grit sandpaper and is an easy step that will make your tinplate look like new!
When the tin is prepared, it is ready for the first coat of metal primer. Allow this to dry thoroughly. Once the tinplate has been primed, it is ready for your choice of tin paint. It is important to use a paint intended for tinplate and to apply it with light pressure to avoid brush marks.
When the tinplate is completely dry it is important to protect it by applying a sealer. This can be done with either a spray on product or a brush on Tinplate steel plate manufacturer one. This will protect your tinplate from the elements and will keep it looking good for years to come.
Sealing
The tin coating on tinplate acts as a physical barrier, preventing the steel from direct contact with oxygen and moisture. In the absence of a tin coating, iron oxidizes to form a corrosion product called rust. The tinplate surface can be treated to minimize the formation of rust and provide an attractive appearance.
Traditionally, tinplate was made by dipping steel in molten tin to produce a tin-lead alloy, but almost all modern tinplate is produced by electrolytic deposition. Strip steel is cleaned in a pickling solution and fed into tanks of an electrolyte, where tin is deposited on both sides as it passes between high-frequency electric induction coils. This process creates a tin coating of about 0.00003 inch (0.00076 millimetre) on both sides.
Once the tinplate is prepared, it can be made into three-piece food and beverage cans by soldering or welding. The cans may be painted with either the internal or external surfaces, depending on the container contents. Tinplate is also well suited for labelling, and can be produced with both a smooth or rough matt surface.
JFE has developed tin free steel (TFS) that excels tinplate in paintability and weldability, allowing the production of 18-liter cans. TFS can be coated with a white coating for use in food packaging. The coating also protects the can contents from contamination by oils and chemicals.
