Painting time

Looking for some tips and tricks for painting bare metal. I know to prep then paint but if anyone has specific products and layering techniques I would greatly appreciate it! Looking for either a black (matte) or some other options anyone recommends. Pictures would be awesome.

 

What’re you painting?

 

Going to be a set of c4 fab 10 inch high bed bars.

 

Another member here just started this thread, he’ll probably be able to help you out.

@71tattooguy

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...rt-a-thread-to-help-out-the-tw-family.609302/

 

Thank you. I’ll reach out and see what he says

 

Hi there. I would prep raw metal clean and sand. Apply epoxy primer
/ then any top coat of your pick. Epoxy primer is a great foundation over bare metal. Hope this helps

 

Definitely. I always stick with the same manufacturer.

 

What paint brands you have in your area?

 

I have Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, anything is really an option for me. If it’s on Amazon I’m willing to wait a little for the right stuff

If there is anything you reccomend

 

I used black epoxy and matte clear on the bed bars in my truck, holds up quite well.

 

It ain't much but I cut the steps off of my predator steps then applied Herculiner with a brush.

 

I like it!! Looks awesome without steps

 

You need to go to an automotive Paint store if you want the proper paint.

 

There’s several automotive paint places within a couple miles. Any brands I should look for?

 

Powder coat, - almost any color you want.

 

I’ve talked to a couple people and I’ve heard powder coating is abrasive and chips metal. I’ve also heard the heating can cause issues with the metals strength

 

Would a high temp krylon paint for like engines be overkill?

 

Axalta (formerly Dupont) or PPG. Ask about their fleet refinish paints which are generally more durable than automotive paints.

If it were me I would degrease, sandblast (30 mesh sand - new), blow off sand residue immediately with moisture free compressed air. Spray epoxy primer and then topcoat with either Axalta's fleet grade paint (Axalta Imron) or PPG's Delfleet. Select proper undercoat of same manufacturer as others suggested.

Sandblasting will etch and clean the metal, but the bare metal needs to be painted asap and avoid sandblasting on humid days.

 

More like underkill imo. Spray can paint is generally over thinned so it can be sprayed via aerosol. You need paint equipment like an HVLP spray gun. Good ones for occasional use can be had most anywhere tools are sold. You need an air compressor as well with a good water trap installed (and use an at the gun water trap).

You can rent or hire someone to sandblast but once sandblasted the metal should be primered/sealed almost immediately. The metal is so clean it will start to rust very soon if there is any high humidity.

 

If done right I don't think powdercoating would compromise anything. Most of the fab shops powdercoat their rock sliders for example. And powdercoating might be more economical than painting.