Has anyone actually painted a HFGH?

16 years ago

Hi! It's me again (I recently started a thread "Got my HFGH (6x8)! Now I have questions!")

I did a search on "Painting HFGH" and got a couple-three hits. Mostly ppl offering opinions on painting it (Most seemed to lean toward "Not necessary"). But no responses from anyone who actually had done it.

Since this is gonna be a 'permanent structure' in our yard; And since I've worked my butt off trying to make our yard aesthetically pleasing; I'd like to make sure that the latest addition is gonna "add" to the overall appeal of the space!!!

Has anyone actually painted a HFGH? If so, what did you use (I'm assuming an Aluminum-friendly primer would be mandatory)? What color did you choose? And how did it come out???

When did you do it (if anyone DID), and are you happy with the long-term results?

I'm now on the Charley's GH mailing list, and I'm drooling over the dark-green GH's. But I've convinced myself that white would be more practical in the long run...

Anyway, I haven't actually built the thing yet (leveling and prepping for a flat-foundation is taking a lot more "sweat" and time than originally anticipated!!), so if I'm gonna paint it, I still have time to do it before I start "actual assembly" (couple-three weeks, probably!).

*If* I do it, I'd want to use some kinda spray paint. I'm also planning on adding t-bolts and/or other 'captive bolts' - prior to final assembly - so I think I need to be cognizant of that (even spray paint will "shrink" the size of the tracks somewhat - limiting my ability to add bolts).

Are there any other "Gotchas" I need to be aware of?

Opinions are definitely appreciated, but I'm also very interested in hearing from anyone who has actually *done it!"

Thanks!!!!

-Nancy (IMQTPI)

Comments (5)

robinz
16 years ago
I'm not going to be any help but I'm about to buy a 10x12 and I'm going to have some time before it can go up also. I hadn't thought of doing this but it's an interesting idea. I would paint it forest green if I could do it....hhhhmmmmm The problem I think is you would also have to use a high heat paint like for automotive so it wouldn't peel in the heat of the gh.
troykd
16 years ago
In Z8 and Z9 you'll have most of it covered in shade cloth for 8 months of the year anyway. I'd be concerned about fitting items together after painting. Painting does add thickness to the parts.

Here is a link that might be useful: Building our hfgh
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agardenstateof_mind
16 years ago
Those painted greenhouses are, unquestionably, more attractive than the bare aluminum. That being said, I do think that a greater factor in making it look aesthetically pleasing is how well it is integrated into your landscape ... so that it looks like a part of the garden, rather than something just plunked down into it.

One of these threads has photos of a greenhouse set on a kneewall that is integraged into a low retaining wall - very nice. If I can find it, I'll post a link.

If you haven't done so already, check through your Charlie's catalog (yes, I get them too) for some ideas, and take a look at some of the higher-end greenhouse sites that have photo galleries for more ideas ... just don't drool into your keyboard.

Unfortunately, in my zone I have to leave clearance to install the solar pool cover in winter, but with your milder winters, perhaps you can do much more landscaping around your greenhouse to settle it into the site.

Diane
birdwidow
16 years ago
Aluminum can be painted, but you have to be very careful about the paint. If it's sprayed on, it would be a very thin coating and unlikely to afffect tollerances for setting in bolts for assembly. Perhaps prime and light first coat it first, then finish coat after the frame is assembled, before the polycarb is installed.

If you don't have the means to powder coat aluminum, the next best is the right primer and paint and for that, I honestly don't know of any that would do a better job than Krylon acrylic. Then, you could give it a satin finish, which covers better than gloss and has a more elegant look to it.

But the cost might be prohivitive- or perhaps not. If $50- 60.00 of Krylon would make that much of an asthetic difference for you and the appearance of your property, it might be worth the extra cost.

Otherwise, just hit the frame pieces with a good metal polish before you assemble it. If nothing else, it would delay discoloration and pitting, especially if you are near the ocean.

A garden GH can add value to a home while giving pleasure to its owner, or reduce it, depending on how well it compliments, or detracts from the appearance of the whole, so only you can know what is best for your home, in your neighborhood.
birdwidow
16 years ago
I just remembered where I used primer & Krylon on new, bare aluminum to great effect. My husband used sheet alumunum to fabricate 8 inch deep awnings to cover exterior tracks on sliding barn doors, and I painted them to match the rest of the trim.

That paint job has so far lasted nearly 8 years in harsh weather territory. One of the doors faces north and gets sleet in winter, and the other south, where it bakes in direct sun in summer.

I used Rustoleum latex aluminum primer, let it dry overnight, then sprayed on the Krylon, which has stuck like glue.

Has anyone actually painted a HFGH?

Comments (5)

robinz

troykd

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