I have a 500 hundred gallon butane tank in the yard. I live in the country, no nature gas here. My tank is looking pretty ratty. I want to paint it, but figure with my luck, when I try to brush it down with a steel brush, it will probably blow up in my face. Should I do this when the tank is full or almost empty? In the evening when it is warm to the touch or in the morning when it is coolest? I know I need paint for metal, but can I paint the tank a color, or does it have to stay bright, reflective silver? So much to do around here and so little knowledge!

I would hand sand it with rough sandpaper to remove the rust and peeling/flaking paint, oh if it is dirty and mildewed you will need to wash first with bleach and dishwashing liquid. Then you will want to prime it with an oil based metal primer to control the rust. The finish paint can any exterior acrylic. As far as the color I would call the people you get gas from to see if you can paint a color other than white or silver. I would think that you would to paint it when it is almost empty and during the midle of the day when the metal is warm.

Hope this helps out.