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Do you primer Z-flashing?

BilljustBill | Posted in Construction Techniques on January 29, 2008 11:05am

I’m nearing the outside completion of a shed/cabin.  I’ve used the Serria Hardiboard vertical siding in 4×8 sheets.  The shed is 2-story, so I used the galv. Z-flashing between the bottom sheet and the 2nd story sheet.

  I’d like to make the shiny Z-flashing blend in with the exterior latex paint.  Do you spray or brush a primer over the Z-flashing before paint the outside walls? What kind of primer”

 If the edge and field nailing is nailed flush with the surface, should you put primer on the nail heads?

   Thanks for the help,

   Bill

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Replies

  1. marv | Jan 29, 2008 11:56pm | #1

    I did on the shed I built last fall.  seems to have held the paint well.

    You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.

    Marv

  2. Jay20 | Jan 30, 2008 02:22am | #2

    I just finished the siding on my 2nd floor using a lot of galvanized steel flashing. Galvanizing is just a zinc coating applied to the metal surface. What they don't tell you is that a little oil is applied after the zinc is applied. This is a  normal practice since is increases the salt spray test results dramatically. Knowing that you need to wipe the surface off with paint thinner first. Zinc oxidizes very quickly, just a matter of seconds. this oxide is what accomplishes the corrosion resistance. You need to steel wool the surface to scratch the oxide to give the primer something to stick too. Use a metal primer specifically for galvanized surfaces then what ever top coat you want. Following the above it should look great and last for years . Prepping the metal is key, and once applied is more stable than most exterior painted surfaces. Hope this helps. Jay

     

  3. davidmeiland | Jan 30, 2008 02:24am | #3

    Whenever possible I order flashings from metal roofing manufacturers, in prepainted colors. It's a whole lot easier than cleaning and painting galv metal. If you are talking about the Z-flash between courses of sheet siding, then maybe galv is the way to go, and just paint it as the house is painted. Usually we use Z over windows and doors and get it in a painted color to match the trim.

  4. User avater
    IMERC | Jan 30, 2008 07:41am | #4

    yup...

    wash with distilled white vinegar 1st to get rid of the galvinizing salts ....

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!
    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  5. balzfalz | Jan 30, 2008 07:31pm | #5

    Galvanized products require a special primer......see Tremclad or Rustoleum!!

    Some companies require you wash the surface first with special cleaner. (Which I believe is NOT  solvent based) 

     

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