Despite all the warning, hazards, and horror stories you will hear about
welding galvanized, I work in an industrial sheet metal shop that welds
galvanized everyday.
The doses of zinc oxide you get from welding the galvanized is no worse than
you 90% of the other stuff you breath in. Go to your local sheet metal
shop. I can assure you that the welders are not running around in space
suits. That being said, like anything, use your head.
Yes, use galvanized, especially if you have it. It will not rust as
quickly, except where you have burned zinc off at the welds.
You do need to etch the galv to make it hold paint. They make special
primers for this. We use vinegar for small pieces, so I can bet any acid
will work.
-----Original Message-----
Is it ok to use galvinized for body work which includes welding if I have
special anti-fume mask's and a proper ventilation system? Is it sufficient
to "cut it" by using muriatic acid before painting it?
I have access to some heavy gauge sheet metal (14, 16 & 18 ga.)
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