Discussion Forum
We are just finishing a large custom home in Texas. The painting sub-contractor has been a revelation when it comes to utting corners. The steel lintels above the windows and doors received just one coat of paint, a SW product called DTM Alkyd. (DTM is an abbreviation for direct-to- metal). Two weeks later rust is bleeding through everyone of them.
I had the contractor out here to take a look yesterday. n his considered opinion, the paint was applied “too thin” allowing existing rust to show through, except on three really rusted ones above the garage doors, where his operatives had used latex paint instead of oil – that part is correct.
His solution, which sounds like another bit of corner-cutting to me, is to just paint another coat of DTM oil paint over these without any further preparation. Maybe “further” isn’t the right word as this would imply there was some preparation work to begin with – there wasn’t.
To me, it seems that the first task is to get the metal clean. I would thought if there is rust on the metal under the first coat it will always find its way through. The idea of oil on top of the latex latex doesn’t do much for me either.
Your thoughts and comments would be very much appreciated.
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
![](https://images.finehomebuilding.com/app/uploads/2024/07/17093454/01232564-sited-in-the-trees-thumb-16x9.jpg)
This home features dramatic interior spaces enhanced by views of the surrounding trees and stream.
Featured Video
Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by BrickHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.