How to coat raw steel conduit?

HughMungus · Post by **HughMungus** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:02 am

And the shade structure saga continues...

Probably going to go the custom-built shade route for my planned 10x20 shade structure (fittings and tarp from Creative Shelters, conuit from me). Found some salvage 1" conduit that's only about $4 per 10' section. I've noticed that most pre-built canopy kits use powder-coated steel. So the question is: how can I coat my raw steel conduit sections to prevent them from rusting (particularly while in storage)? TIA.

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:48 am

My coating of choice is good 'ol Krylon primer. The ends are the most vulnerable, so blasting 'em with a shot of Krylon should do it. I'm actually surprised at how little rust has developed on my structures, even though they've been playafied twice and sit year-round in Michigan climate the rest of the time.
You can get cold-galvanizing spray if you REALLY want to....But it's unnecessary.

supersurly · Post by **supersurly** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 9:40 pm

Why don't you powder coat? It's pretty cheap.

Elemental666 · Post by **Elemental666** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 9:57 pm

pretty cheap would be a regional estimate... There is one place to get stuff powder coated in my city and they charge a premium. I used 7 cans of spray paint on my 3v 12'R dome. Just painted the ends, I'm in Oklahoma tho...

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 5:33 am

supersurly wrote:Why don't you powder coat? It's pretty cheap.

Oh, it'll all get powdercoated in about three weeks, pal. No charge.

HughMungus · Post by **HughMungus** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 12:32 pm

Elemental666 wrote:pretty cheap would be a regional estimate... There is one place to get stuff powder coated in my city and they charge a premium. I used 7 cans of spray paint on my 3v 12'R dome. Just painted the ends, I'm in Oklahoma tho...

Yeah, it's a moot point (for me, anyway) since I decided to go the costco structure route. Still, good information for future and others' reference. Thanks!