Hey,

I had a light bar bumper made that right now is bare metal and I was wondering what your guys experience is as far as how to prep the metal tube and what rattle can paint works the best. I just want a gloss black finish. I was going to powder coat it but for now that is not an option $$...

do I need to use primer?

will a clear coat help durability?

how do I prep the tube? scotch brite?

thanks!

 

A rattle can will work but a 2 part auto clear coat will make it last and make it solvent/fuel resistant

 

For what you're doing a rattle can will work just fine as long as you realize it's not going to be as durable as catalyzed paint from a gun or powdercoat and like you already know, it won't cost an arm and a leg. What I do to prep anything for paint, whether I'm shooting out of a gun or a spray can is basically the same. First, wipe everything down with a CLEAN rag (paper towels work just fine) damp with a pre-cleaning solvent meant for painting. I have also used plain old Brake-Kleen with good results. This removes any oil, either from the tubing being new, or from whoever handled it beforehand. Sanding oily metal imbeds the oil into the metal, making fisheyes quite likely. Next, I just scuff with a red scuff pad (sand paper leaves grit, meaning you have to wipe it down again), blow it off or wipe it with a tack cloth, then try your best to warm the part to be painted. My favorite method is to place it out in the sun for a while, but that's a little tough this time of year, so do what you can to get it to room temp. Cold metal does not paint well at all. Anyway, once it's warm, prime and paint. I always, always, always use primer on bare metal and recommend you do as well, because painting bare metal simply increases the chances of runs and fisheyes. Once you get it painted, open a beer and bask in the glory of a job well done.

 

cool thanks for the tips guys!

how about the rattle can paint? any brands better than the next?

Zmann you mentioned a 2 part auto clear...what is that?

 

Find your local auto paint supply store. They have a lot better stuff than you'll pick up at Autozone, Advance store. I used U-Pol on my sons winch bumper and it has held up well for over two years now.

 

jlmotox

I would use ( EPOXY spray paint ) ,it works great, and is very durable !

I would also think of using ( ENGINE spray paint ) it is also durable !



Wally Womack

 

I would clean the metal first with a degreaser. Then sand blast it (If you can) This will make the paint adhere real well. Next use a good quality primer. Follow with a couple of coats of quality enamal. Then if you want (it does help with protection a little) I would clear coat it.