Finish TradesQuestion 476 of 700

When finishing exterior ferrous metal such as a steel handrail or fabricated gate, which coating step is MOST important to apply first?

a.A single coat of clear lacquer
b.A coat of latex wall primer
c.A rust-inhibitive metal primer
d.Wax paste over the bare steel

Explanation

Bare steel corrodes quickly, so a rust-inhibitive metal primer must go on first to bond and protect the surface before topcoats. Clear lacquer, interior latex wall primer, or wax do not stop ferrous corrosion and will fail outdoors.

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