Advice on Direct to metal non toxic paint please

[Limey]

Any advice on a good non toxic direct to metal paint - outside use? Wont be in contact with pond/qt water but will be close. Hammerite is excellent but toxic to fish of course... could that be used and then maybe sealed?

Also want to paint the outside of a fibreglass tank black - paint advice? The area I want to paint will not come into contace with water/fish.

I await your advice, thanks

[eds]

To be totally safe I'd be thinking of using G4 but you might have to use a primer underneath to get it to stick! I haven't done it myself though; it's just my first thought.

[Limey]

Thanks eds that seems best way to go.

[Limey]

hmm just checking on this... isn't G$ good for concrete - I need to cover steel... any further adice...?

[kayoss]

Hi Dave

Many products (including the Dan Brevan sealant that was very popular a couple of years ago) state that they are toxic in the aquatic environment. However, this usually applies to the uncured/wet product and they are often perfectly safe once they are fully cured and/or dried.

As the steel will not be in direct contact with the pond or QT water, I'd think Hammerite or similar would be perfectly safe unless you're thinking of painting a metal roof that rain will run off of into the pond. You'll just need to protect the pond and QT from splashes and spills during application and the drying process.

I think it would be worth contacting the manufacturer and asking them the question. Try ICI PAINTS Technical Group, Wexham Road, Slough, Berks. SL2 5DS Telephone: 0870 242 1100

Cheers

Bob

[Limey]

Thanks for advice Bob, will follow it and check.

[eds]

hmm just checking on this... isn't G$ good for concrete - I need to cover steel... any further adice...?

I know you need to cover steel, that's why I suggested it would need a primer. A metal specific paint could well be better if it's definitely non-toxic but with G4 you at least know it is going to be safe as it is designed for underwater use in ponds.

[Limey]

yup understand now, thanks my mate.