Painting Holes from Bed Stiffener Install

I just sprayed some flat black paint into a disposable cup, dipped a q-tip in the paint, and then coated the holes I drilled.

 

About how long did it take to dry? I'm facing the issue that we have 55 degree days forecasted for the next two days, but it will drop to about 28 over tonight. Will probably get them on today about 4 hours before temperature drop. After the next two days we're SOL for the foreseeable future (mountains above 10k feet).

Wanting to see if I should even get started. Don't want to risk any rust in the area by not giving enough dry time.

TY

 

I just drilled the holes and mounted them i didnt paint where i drilled.
fuck it it rusts it rusts lol

 

You could give it a half hour to dry or you could help it along with a heat gun or hair dryer.

 

Thanks for the advice. Any need for multiple coats or clear coat?

Sorry, i'm inexperienced. Trying to keep my truck as long as possible, so I'd like to do a thorough job.

 

No problem. You're welcome!

Since they are not aesthetic, just protection, you can just use any protective spray paint. Do two coats, maybe 10min apart at that temp and hit it with hot air from a good distance away. You just want to speed up drying, not cook it.

Another preventive measure is to dollop a bit of silicone RTV (indoor / outdoor caulk) on the bolts as you install them or under the washers before you tighten them down.

@gen2eng notes that we should use an automotive seam sealer here to prevent corrosion from RTV itself:

 

^^^ I like this!

 

Awesome! Thank you so much. I happen to have some silicone so I'll do exactly that.

Also, side note but same kindof topic. I switched out the grade 8 they came with for stainless bolts to prevent rust as well. Would you advise against this? Didn't seem like the rated strength was much of a practical difference.

 

Clear fingernail polish.

 

@tonered, you always have good advice sir.

 

I just did mine, used POR 15 in the 4oz can and small brushes. You can buy brush assortments for dirt cheap on Amazon and then toss them after each use. I find it easier and less messy than spray paint. I have rustoleum left over from doing my skids and still opted to paint by brush with POR 15...

After reading above post - qtip would also have worked well for this and even cheaper

 

I also hit all the fasteners with some corrosion free after the install on both sides (behind rail light and bed).

 

Gloss black paint pen works good too, for touching up everything without the overspray

 

Thanks for the compliment!

 

I used what was included and have had no issues. But then, corrosion issues are non-existent here. You won't have any problem using the stainless stuff.

 

Thanks!

 

No problem!

 

When ever I drill into metal or have bare metal on my vehicle, I always use an self etching primer on it followed by a quality top coat. I have had great success with this. And regardless of the method you use, a clean surface will make for a better finish.

https://www.rustoleum.ca/product-catalog/consumer-brands/automotive/primers/self-etching-primer

 

Thank you to everyone for your advice and especially to tonered. I really appreciate it. I left the truck overnight and was planning on adding silicone and tightening down the bolts before I went to work this morning.

The last thought i had come up was is it possible that I could actually encourage rust if I add silicone around all sides of the bolt, and trap in moisture? Should I only add silicone beneath the washers on the back side, as tonered did in the pic, or should I add beneath the stiffeners as well?

 

This thread...jesus