Metal lath and hardware cloth can be cut with a tin snips but there s an easier way.
Best way to clean a sheet metal sign.
You don t need to get down to bare shiny metal just clean off the flakes and powdery surface rust that prevent paint from adhering.
Different methods of cutting metal work best in different situations.
But a lot of problems are found in aluminum welding process such as porosity slag inclusion incomplete fusion on weld surface the main reason is aluminum plate surface is not clean so the cleaning solution is very essential.
The first step is to clean off loose rust and flaking paint and then apply a rust inhibitive primer.
But like cars signs get dirty just sitting around.
Your aluminum signs are bombarded daily with things like dirt harsh winds rain mud even bird poop.
Wash the pot or pan with warm soapy water.
Clean aluminum with an acid like lemon or vinegar.
There is no perfect or best way to cut sheetmetal materials.
However badly rusted metal areas need more prep work and possibly a special primer.
What is regularly it s not like you have to take a giant power washer to your sign daily.
We recommend using a diamond blade that s labeled as a ferrous metal cutting blade but many tradespeople use a regular masonry diamond blade with good results.
A stationary or hand shear is a very good approach to delicate detail work.
This way your displayed print will be perfectly clean no matter where you hang or display it.
To clean lightly dip the non abrasive cloth into the cleaning solution of your choice water isopropyl alcohol or glass cleaner or use a spray bottle to very lightly spray the metal print with the solution.
The number one way to make your aluminum sign last is by cleaning it regularly.
This article summarizes the steps in the cleaning process of aluminum sheet metal.