paint over slag???

[fun4now]

is it just a ? of looks ??? if weld is non critical and out of view or dosent mater what it looks like can i just hit it with some paint and go? will the slag have long term affects on the weld?

[Tanner]

I'd say whats the point? It takes 5 seconds to chip/wire brush the slag.

[aametalmaster]

Yes you can paint over it but sooner or later the slag might come loose and expose the weld to the elements. Bob

[klsm54]

Painting over slag would certainly not be a way to gain repeat business, if you are thinking of being in this business to make a living.

If it were my own work, I would want to take that extra minute or two to do it right. If you don't want to chip and brush the slag, why bother with paint?

[fun4now]

repeat business

first off i would never shortcut any customers work..
i do not do this for a living i do it for fun and as art. in some cases i fix stuff around my home like my mower deck (unseen and noncritical)the point to paint is to stop rust that is y i asked if it would have any effects on the weld.as in would the slag speed up the rusting process?
also i like the look of the slag in some of my art that im not painting and wonderd if i could paint over it to keep the look and add colar.it is not a matter of time.

[HAWK]

fun4now,

A good grinder and a rope brush will clean most slag if you do want rid of it as it typical excepting your art work, etc. Definitely clean the slag before making a second weld pass. If it is tough and nasty stuff an air chipper will make short work of heavy slag. It works especially well where a low H rod was burned in too hot.