Painting the Transformer: Recommendations?

[anoon]

I am working on cleaning up my Centipede, and inspired by other threads where users have repainted their power blocks, I am in the process of doing mine.

The base is pretty straightforward, but what about the transformer? I haven't come across any threads that show it painted.

Mine is rusty. What's the recommendation as far as removing the rust and painting goes? Just sand it and paint?

What about the copper band? How does one remove and replace it? Can I just slide it off?

 

[andrewb]

Wash the whole brick in the sink with your favorite spray cleaner to remove all dirt. Then spray the transformer (and the frame as well if it's also rusty) with white vinegar, and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Then scrub it with a stainless steel brush, which you can get at any auto parts store for $8. (They sell a set of three, one nylon, one brass, and one stainless. The stainless one is more abrasive than the brass).

Then rinse with hot water, and you'll see the rust pour off of it. You won't get 100% of it removed, but you can repeat several times, and it'll be a lot better than it was. Put the transformer in front of a fan overnight to dry, turning it a couple of times, to help the air get into all the crevices. Then just leave it, there's no need to paint it. As long as it isn't kept in a damp place, it'll be fine.

And don't remove the copper band.

 

[anoon]

Great, thank you @andrewb

I don't know why I didn't think of white vinegar. I typically use an Evap-o-rust equivalent when removing rust, but wasn't sure how good of idea that was on this part. I will follow your advice. White vinegar it is.

 

[andrewb]

Evaporust works as well as vinegar for soaking stuff, and maybe a little better. The only problem is it's 20x more expensive, and doesn't work 20x better (or even 2x better). And you can get vinegar at any supermarket for $2 a gallon.

I've never tried spraying Evaporust on something, so I can't speak for it there. But it probably won't hurt to try it. I have used the vinegar method on many brick transformers, and it's the best thing I've been able to find.

Let us know how it goes!

 

[lilypad19]

A wire brush you chuck up in a drill works great too.. less manual labor.

However... If you decide you do want to add back a little color..
I use some Rustoleum Satin Black (from the can, not spray).. reduce it 20-30% with mineral spirits and wipe it on with a rag. It will be watery..-
It will put on nice greyish color without looking painted.. (It's better in person than this pic..)

Before & After:

Natural is always nice too.

 

[anoon]

Thanks for the recco, @lilypad19

I've given mine a few turns with the wire brush now, and some of the original color has come off, so I am definitely leaning back towards painting it. I have that same paint on hand, so I am going to give it a go.

 

[lilypad19]

The key is thinning it with mineral spirits.. A little wash coat.. The best restoration is one that doesn't look like its been restored.
Good luck!

 

[andrewb]

Oh and just to clarify, yeah, there's nothing saying you can't repaint it. I've just never felt the need to, as the cleaned iron looks 'good enough' for my taste, and I'm never motivated enough to disassemble and/or mask the thing to touch it up without getting paint in the windings (which also wouldn't hurt anything, but just looks hacky, IMO.) But lilipad19's suggestions are good ones, if you want to go that way.

Nice work on that Pac, lilypad19!

 

[anoon]

Thanks @andrewb and @lilypad19 !

Came out pretty nice.