Weathering steels are high-strength steels but, in general, are used because of their corrosion properties. Painting would seem to counteract the logic of using weathering steels. However, weathering steel can be painted, but the patina is difficult to remove and the clean steel tends to require excessive paint material in order to deliver a decent coating appearance. • HDG steel does require preparation and, depending on the age of the coating, may range from a sweep blasting or solvent wipe to an economical hotwater/steam pressure wash.