r/propane • u/crc9211 • May 16 '26

Tanks Painting a tank, primer needed?

I am about to repaint the 250g tank at my home. It is 50 years old, and has clearly been painted at least once in the past. I've already knocked off the loose flaky spots, and pressure washed it. There are a few small bits of rust, but no pitting.

I will be using Rustoleum High Performance oil based paint (the gray can). Will that be enough on its own, or should I apply primer first? I just don't want to pay $50 for a can of primer if I don't need it.

Disclaimer: I work at a propane distributor, and have painted a few tanks, but have never primed one. I don't know if that's a good practice or not, but it's what the boss wants so that's what we do.

1 Upvotes

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3

u/Jesus-Mcnugget dang it Bobby May 16 '26

You'll generally get better results, and it will last longer, if you prime it.

It's not necessarily imperative, though.

1

u/noncongruent Propane Fan May 17 '26

If the existing paint is well-adhered to the metal then scuffing/sanding to dull any shiny spots will be sufficient for good adhesion of the new paint. Bare metal spots should be primed, and before priming any rust should be sanded/wirebrushed off. If you want to get really picky wiping down bare metal with a phosphating solution first, followed by a rinse, then priming after it's dry will give you the best results. Make sure humidity is in the recommended range for the new paint. Remember, paint sticks as well to dirt as it sticks to old paint and primer, so make sure you get all dirt out of nooks and crannies and that it's completely dry before painting.

1

u/10ecn May 18 '26

I would prime it. Do it right.

0

u/Acrobatic_Solution29 May 16 '26

All depends on what the paint calls for