Painting/Coating Steel Components

40fordpu

Well-known member
Parts under the car... Steel rusts, metals discolor... what is the common consensus on taking steel parts (new) from dealers like macs and drake etc and coating them so they don't rust. An example would be a new gas tank, uncoated. What do you all think?
 
I've been using "Cast Blast" paint on castings that aren't supposed to be painted and there are a few other colors for "unpainted" plain steel, etc. I've been doing this on master and wheel cylinders, Corvette differential housing, etc.
 
I treat my steel parts (rusted or not) with OSPHO, a phosphoric acid treatment. There are other brands that are the same or similar. Then usually prime with PPG DP series epoxy primer; followed by a surfacer primer or topcoat. But be careful using a phosphate treatment with an etching primer, some of these primers are not compatible with the phosphate. Read the spec sheets or do a test panel.
 
Powder coat is great. Although it is quite expensive when compared to a rattle can. Everyone seems to coat with something which makes me feel the correct action is to never allow steel to be bare...
 
If your looking for something extra heavy (coating) you could use a bed liner. Just becareful on the product, some have a sandy texture. Used it on my gas tank, works great. Grodon
 
I use POR-15 and LOVE it! Kinda spendy but goes a long way. I always sandblast or wire brush then apply with a disposible brush even though they say you can apply directly to rust. I have found that it is the next strongest thing to powder coating and in some applications wonder if it isn't just as good.
 

Attachments

  • por15-cans.jpg
    por15-cans.jpg
    13.8 KB · Views: 6
I forgot to mention it does have a tendancy to fade a little if in direct sunlight so I dont use on anything on the topside unless I am going to paint over it which you can
 
I forgot to mention it does have a tendancy to fade a little if in direct sunlight so I dont use on anything on the topside unless I am going to paint over it which you can


POR 15 has a primer and it will fade in the sun. They mention the fading in their literature or right on the can. The top coat or finish coat will not fade. I like POR 15 because i can apply it myself.

I used just the primer on the frame a couple years ago and it still shines.
I have not used their finish coat.

Has the finish coat been fading?

Has anybody used their engine painting system?
 
Quality stainless fasteners through out, stainless parts where looks and function allow, high quality paint and a clear on painted parts, in wheel wells put a good under coat or a chip retarder over your paint.
 
Powder coat is great. Although it is quite expensive when compared to a rattle can. Everyone seems to coat with something which makes me feel the correct action is to never allow steel to be bare...

even inside the garage they still rust (takes longer) around here.
 
Back
Top