Paint brand advice for UCAs and LCAs

Hey y'all,

I'm planning to paint my OEM control arms and looking for advice on what brand to buy. I used the paint in the attached picture on my front skid plate but didn't like how it turned out. Used several coats and it still did not last long and started showing surface rust. Looking for a decent black gloss.

 

Why would you use header paint on control arms or skid plates? Pretty sure high temp paint needs heat cycles to fully cure.

Depending on the condition of the existing parts, prep them well- if that means remove rust, etc... do that, and then just primer and finish a few coats of spray on enamel.

Or take them to get media blasted and powder coated if spray paint isn't your thing.

 

I either read or saw a YouTube video on using header paint on skid plates.

For ease of use I am buying used ucas and lcas so I can replace the bushings ahead of time. I will make sure to clean them up and prep before primer and spray (can). Is enamel best for metals?

 

VHT works okay I'd think, didn't know that about the heat cycles. I also used it for the skid plate, but most important is to take it down to metal, clean it with acetone (or thinner,) and primer it. Mine seems to be holding up.

 

I use this on all sorts of stuff



Like they said, header paint isn't really paint and requires heat cycles. I've also not had great luck with it not rusting so I just use the ~500*F ones sometimes, which is more like a normal enamel

 

VHT Gloss Black Roll Bar High Heat Paint 11oz (autozone.com)

 

https://www.automotivetouchup.com/

 

I've tried most everything over the years and never really been pleased from Rustoleums to Krylons and anything on the shelf. Clear coat helps a bit but it's still meh. The best thing on the market now is Steel-It or the similar option from Seymour. It's expensive but it rivals powder coat imo.

 

good prep and a high quality enamel of any brand and you'll be good.

 

For what its worth....I'm a professional painter...

the best primer we've ever found is that rustoleum gray primer..
when we do odd stuff on roofs like flashings........we always use that first...

Its way above most other rattle cans...


My frame has always been clean.....so I just used VHT chassis epoxy direct to metal.

Everytime I work an area with a wheel off....I just give that area another coat...
I'm up to 5 and 6 coats on most especially all rear ferric........maybe 5 or 6 cans of the VHT so far..
I've really got the diff, axle housing, brake backer plates looking like a dipped donut...

 

O"silver, I like the way you keep adding coats of paint. Lol. Just like the Navy. It sounds like you strive for the clean look. I am too and want to keep my parts as clean as possible with no rust buildup or dirt and stains. I am definitely not after showroom quality for sure.

 

Yeah on wet days in the winter, I'm anal about getting that chaulky white off my beautiful frame...

I have a water hose on speed dial even at work......

 

This. Love this stuff for the uses you're needing OP.

Flame proof is great too though if you can bake it.

 

Eastwood Rust Encapsulator followed by Eastwood Chassis Black