so, how should I paint the oil tank for my (almost) tiny house?

[LaydeeBug]

I am noticing some rust spots, and think I should wire brush, steel wool, lightly sand those and then paint it over with Rustoleum or something? Also, although there are no written rules, are there colors that these things usually are? Mine is white right now, but I have seen red, black and forest green.

Anyone with experience here?

[jeff47]

1. Color doesn't matter. Usually it matches the house or otherwise camouflages the tank.

There is some danger in removing the rust too aggressively, in that you make the tank thinner.

I'd recommend only breaking off the loose rust, such as using a wire brush on it. The paint will cut off the supply of oxygen to the rusted area, and thus stop the rust from spreading.

As for what paint to use, you can use anything that's designed to stick to metal. Rustoleum is such a paint, and the folks at your local paint store can direct you to similar paints they carry.

[LaydeeBug]

2. Cool. Thanks nt

[freebrew]

3. Around here they can be anything...

from fish to submarines.

Some people can get pretty creative with them.

[LaydeeBug]

4. Oh that sounds awesome.

I am about to google. lol...but I am afraid it would only be for entertainment. I can't draw a straight line with a ruler.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

5. That is an interesting question !

I think you pretty much have it down, wire brush,sand a little ,rustoleum products. If I were curious ,out of curiosity I might call my fuel oil supplier and inquire about suggestions ,you know as a precaution ! No doubt they too will find your question interesting . Weather exposure and rust is always an issue. They may provide you with some good information about how to proceed with your project .Such as how to inspect your tank and what to look for.

[rusty quoin]

6. I would use the wire brush if needed, sand surfaces in a a way to transition existing paint

to bare metal, and then use a metal primer on the bare metal.

Then I would paint that old oil tank in a bright color, and carefully spray paint in black a political message using stencils on the biggest side people see.

You can repaint it and change the message as you see fit.

[LaydeeBug]

7. LOL I have a friend trying to tell me to junk it.

He said any furnace company would need to replace the oil tank anyway. I am not letting him do it.....yet.