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BFL13's avatar
BFL13
Explorer II
May 12, 2017

Galvanized Sheet Metal- Wax? Spray? Update

Update 8 June

I read up on this and there are several suggestions, not too clear though. Anybody got something that works for sure, please pass it along. Thanks.

OK I put a sheet of galvanized sheet metal as the insert fridge door décor in the used Dometic 7401L we got (the original insert was gone)for the truck camper. I used that instead of plastic so it would hold fridge magnets. :)

Hands get black stuff on them from the metal as is. Apparently you can clean that off but it comes right back. One idea was to use car paste wax on it just after you clean it? Or is there an easy peasy spray you can use and it will make a seal cover to stop the black stuff getting on your hands? What about maybe that clear spray that goes on top of car paint spray? Would that "hold?"

If nothing works Plan B is to put a plastic or counter top laminate insert on top of the steel insert but there is not much thickness room to get another insert in. (the magnets should still work I guess)

13 Replies

  • Zinc chromate is the recommended tie coat between a galvanized surface and top coat. I did not recommend this to Naio because she will not be handling the part.

    You are dealing with inevitable oxidation of zinc.

    Cleaning off oxides in preparation to use adhesive is a chore. Chris Bryant's excellent suggestion can be tested by applying a swatch. Do not stick all of the liner hard and fast. Press half like a permanent application then yank on the free half and see if that peels off the pressed-on half too easy.

    School of hard knocks with my Vest Frosts. BTW cheap liners are worth less than they cost. Those that use 3M adhesive are better.
  • I'd suggest spraying it with a clear coat of some kind. Krylon etc.

    I don't think paste wax or any coating like that will keep it from discoloring. Zinc is pretty reactive.

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