When a homeowner’s basement bulkhead appeared to be past its prime, she sent up a flare to the team at Ask This Old House. Not knowing whether to replace the bulkhead or paint it, she relied on paint expert Mauro Henrique to help her make a decision and even choose the right color to match the backyard.
How to Paint a Rusty Bulkhead
- Start by taping off the area around the bulkhead. Use painter’s tape along the edge where the bulkhead meets the siding, and then tape plastic sheeting to painter’s tape and spread it over the siding. Tape in place as needed.
- Put your respirator and safety glasses on for this step. Scuff the surface of the bulkhead with the sanding block. Light sanding over the painted areas is fine, but be sure to remove any loose or flaking paint. Make sure the surface is smooth, and take note of any areas where bare metal is exposed.
- Vacuum the surface of the bulkhead to remove any dust and dirt. Be sure to use a brush attachment to ensure any contaminants are removed.
- Shake the spray primer well and apply a thin coat of primer over any of the areas of exposed metal. Allow the primer to dry.
- Pour the DTM (direct to metal) paint into the paint tray. Use the roller to apply the paint to the field of the doors and the paintbrush to cut in along the edges or undersides of the door or bulkhead where the roller won’t fit.
- Allow the first coat of paint to dry (drying times will vary by temperature and sun exposure) before applying a second coat of paint.
- Keep the door as clean as possible and sand and repair any problem areas that might arise in the future.
Resources
Prep the bulkhead doors for painting by vacuuming cobwebs and removing excess dirt with a dry cloth. Once the doors are free of debris, use a 220-grit sanding block to lightly sand the rusted areas and vacuum any excess dust. Apply a coat of metal primer spray to the rusted areas for extra protection against corrosion. Use a combination of mini paint rollers and brushes to apply the first coat of DTM (Direct to metal) paint. Start by cutting the edges of the bulkhead doors with a brush and move to using the mini rollers for a streak-free finish. Let the first coat dry before applying the second coat.
