How to Paint Weight Plates

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • 80-grit sandpaper

  • Water-based degreasing cleanser

  • Coarse plastic brush

  • Water hose

  • Towels

  • Galvanized metal etching spray primer

  • Iron oxide spray primer

  • Oil-based spray enamel

Latex primers and paints will not provide adequate durability.

Weight plates are metallic units weightlifters use to add weight to barbells and dumbbells. If you would like to paint your weight plates, you must employ specific preparation and application strategies. If your weight plates are rusted, coat them with a base primer or rust will return. In addition, because these plates will endure a large amount of force from dropping and clinking together, choose a finish that will remain durable under duress.

Advertisement

Step 1

Move the plates outdoors or into an open garage.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Remove rust from the weight plates using 80-grit sandpaper. Skip this step if the plates are free from rust.

Step 3

Wash the weight plates with a water-based degreaser–using a coarse plastic brush. Rinse the weight plates with a water hose. Dry the plates with towels.

Advertisement

Step 4

Place the plates on heavy-duty fabric drop cloths.

Step 5

Coat the clean weight plates with galvanized metal etching spray primer. Hold the can 8 inches from the plates as you apply. Wait six hours for the primed plates to dry.

Advertisement

Step 6

Coat rusted weight plates with iron oxide spray primer. Hold the can 8 inches from the plates as you apply. Wait three hours for the primed plates to dry. Skip this step if the plates are not affected by rust.

Step 7

Coat the primed weight plates with an oil-based spray enamel. Apply the paint as you did the primer. Wait 12 hours before using the plates.

Warning

Don't use latex primers and paints, as they will not provide adequate durability.

Never paint bare weight plates or the paint will peel.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

resources