Again my advice is for the non professional who does not have access to a paint gun, etc., nor are they expecting show quality results. My intent is to help them apply a coat of paint that will provide many years of protection from rust. This coat may be sprayed on or brushed on.

Before covering paint products I would like to cover one more step in paint preparation and safety considerations. I like to wipe everything off with lacquer thinner before finally painting it. Lacquer thinner is very volatile, should not be inhaled, nor contact your skin. I always wear a chemical mask, and special gloves when using it. I take a clean rag and wipe the surface. If it is rough, I take a paint brush and brush the lint from the rag off. I am now ready to paint.

Spray coverage is probably going to look better, but its durability may be questionable. If I am going to spray something I do follow the directions on the can, especially if priming the area is a recommended step in the paint process. I wear a chemical mask for spraying and also medical gloves and clothing I do not mind getting paint on. Auto parts stores usually have a couple of different types of paints to pick from, or you can order a product from Eastwood, Chevs of the 40’s, The Filling Station or check the local hardware for a Rustoleum product.

My first choice of a spray paint is usually an engine paint. It is always available locally, so is cheaper. It is durable from a standpoint of chemical exposure to oils and gas, can be hardened to with stand my fingernail scratch test, and usually needs no primer. Engine paint is designed to withstand heat up to around 500 degrees. The heating process makes the paint more durable. While I cannot heat up my frame or body to set the paint, I can heat up all the small brackets, bolts, and any part that would fit in an oven or gas grill. I use my gas grill for hardening my painted parts. You will have to experiment with the length of time to keep a part in the grill, but about 15 minutes works fine. If you leave the part in too long, the color discolors. This is not a problem, just repaint the part and leave it in less. You do need to be cautious to not burn yourself removing the parts. Also you cannot prime the part with a non heat resistant primer. Doing so will wrinkle your paint job. This will cause a lot of extra cleanup, unless you have a sandblast cabinet.

Painting with a brush is usually a better way to apply a durable paint surface. The coats are thicker, and likewise a variety of choices are available. You can check out a good metal paint at a local paint store, order from one of the above spray paint sources, or from a distributor of POR-15. Like with spray paint, I wear gloves and the appropriate clothes. I have never painted anything without getting it on me. The odor from a can of paint seems to be less of a problem, but I still use a fan to draw the paint odor away from me, and paint in a well-ventilated garage. If you do not use a fan or have good ventilation, use a chemical mask.

My last posting will cover POR-15, a product that is either loved or hated.

Thanks, Mike


Mike 41 Chevy