Can I paint simpson strongtie connectors?
mlawrence17
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I just finished building a pergola and since I live on the east coast I need to attach some uplift connectors. I was considering painting all of the bolts and connectors before I put them up and then touching them up as necessary once I’m done. The pergola is painted a nice brown color and the thought of 30 silver hurricane ties dotting the beam doesn’t sit well with me.
Good idea or am I opening up a can of worms??? It’s not like I can take them down in a couple of years and repaint them if they need another coat.
Replies
The only problem would be that the paint might not stick too well. You might start with a spray coat of rattle can metal primer (after wiping with vinegar).
If your job is being inspected be sure the paint does not obscure any of the markings on the connectors before the inspection.
That said, you could have them powdercoated if you wanted.
Gotta get the cutting oil off the things first. But then I'm sure they're as paintable as anything else.
I would wipe them down with lacquer thinner and paint them.
Any decent inspector willl recognize a Simpson clip, marking or not.