paint preference?

[Mitsokid]

hey all, ive searched and turned up nothing so far but what paint do you guys use for your roll cages, flatbeds, ect.? I always seem to have rust and corrosion problems using spray paint and primer so I bought a spray gun but idk what to use thats tough and rugged and i really don't know much about different paint companies

[D60]

Arguably best bang for the buck, ease of purchase/readily available, and not super toxic = Rustoleum.

Also not real picky about how clean your metal is. Won't kill you like Centari or similar. Sold at virtually every hardware store. Available in rattle cans for touch up.

You can buy it by the quart or gallon to use in your own gun just be sure to thin it heavily or it won't spray worth a shit. Don't rush it, don't put it on too heavy and allow 24 hours dry time between coats.

[billybob_81067]

Ever use it for painting the body? I've painted farm implements with it and they always fade. Will that harderner stuff you can get in a pint or quart can prevent this from happening?

[D60]

Originally Posted by billybob_81067

Ever use it for painting the body? I've painted farm implements with it and they always fade. Will that harderner stuff you can get in a pint or quart can prevent this from happening?

If you're referring to Rustoleum, no, never painted body stuff w it. In web searches I have found links to people who painted entire vehicles w it, altho it's kind of considered "oddball." After all there are better products out there if you're going for the show 'n shine or hardcore resto aspect.

I've had the yellow fade. Had pretty good luck w the almond, leather brown, sunburst red and royal blue..............altho over time they lose their sheen, which I assume might be better maintained w a clearcoat (which I never do).

I'm no expert on paint or resto by any means. Since the OP asked about flat beds and roll cages, I think Rustoleum is a good option. Many general consumers confuse the various rattle can brands, like thinking Krylon and Rustoleum are the same thing. I've had nothing but bad experiences w Krylon.

edit: oh and here's a bit of discussion of hardener from what I call the garage mahal forum:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=83866

[OttawaXJ]

I've got a few friends who painted their vehicles with it, looks decent but its only for a trail rig.

[87JeepWrangler]

this is my favorite paint. holds up well. covers well. readily available. i use the satin black all the time.

[bigdaddylee82]

The Tractor and Implement paint that Tractor Supply sells holds up to quite a bit of abuse, I think Valspar makes it. Never used it in your specific application, but our 8n has been through a few rebuilds and paintings during it's life. It's never covered, so it's always exposed to the sun/elements. The red looses it's luster quicker than the gray, but they both hold up well.

The only automotive paint I've used is the Nason kit from O'Reilly's, the Chevrolet Bright White, that flaked off of everything in the '90s. The single stage Nason, looks, and holds up a heck of a lot better than the the factory paint. Exposed to the sun all day every day for the past 6 years, and still shines.


- Lee

[D60]

Oh and FWIW this can be an area where generic doesn't pay. I've tried the Ace "Rust Stop" in a rattle can and it's like spraying on water. When Rustoleum talks about superior coverage, they mean it. That also means you have to take care when applying it or each coat winds up way too thick.

I also tried some Valspar [rustoleum wannabe] (don't remember terminology) *in a quart*, brushing it on. Again, it was like brushing on water. Ran like crazy and didn't provide very good coverage compared to brushing on Rustoleum.

I don't mean for this to be a Rustoleum lovers thread, hopefully more people will post up w other options. If my customers want more than a quick rattle can job I tell them they need to find a professional paint shop because I'm not.

[jkce72]

I've had good luck with Rustoleum Professional through a spray gun. Thin it with Acetone and go for it. Its cheap and seems to be pretty durable.

[bigpappy]

Originally Posted by 87JeepWrangler

this is my favorite paint. holds up well. covers well. readily available. i use the satin black all the time.

x2 I thin the satin down and put it through a HF HVLP sprayer and it looks great for how cheap it is.
Used it on my dash, trunk cover, bandsaw stand, table frames, etc.
If it needs a touch up just use the can.

Good stuff.

[Mitsokid]

wow thanks for the info guys