Restoring metal parts

derSturm

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How do you guys restore the external metal parts of cabinets, like marquee braces and whatnot? I'm thinking strip, lightly sand if needed, buff, and then paint, but with what?

Can good ol' Rustoleum out of the spray can look OK? If you prime the part first? I've got a good HVLP setup. Would the difference in results merit using it? And if so then what type of paint should I use?

Other than spraying junk and pseudo-junk with Rustoleum I have NO experience at all at painting metal, and so any help would be appreciated.
 
I have them sandblasted and powdercoated. If its a small enough job you can just sand it, prime it, and spray it with some rattle can enamel.
 
I remove pain with a wire wheel, sand smooth, clean with alcohol and rubber gloves, prime, sand prime, sand prime, sand, paint, sand, paint, sand paint, sand. continue. hah

I use rustoleum products for everything but coin doors, for those I use spray on bed liner. you can get a perfect paint job with rattle cans if you just take your time. and have the time.
 
Good. Doesn't sound too hard to get a quality result. Now, how about the primer? What primer do you guys like? Do you like to spray it on or brush it?
 
primer is primer for the most part, the cheap stuff has worked fine for me, spray on for metal parts.
 
You can pick up metal primer with a gloss enamel ~$6/can at WalMart/Lowes. Rustoleum brand has always done me good.

If it helps, the order in which I restore metal bits is:

Sand (or sandblast, if you have that option, much better result and quicker)
Protective Coating (I parkerize metal pieces and then prime them)
Paint (spray works, and metal paints can come out looking quite decent, but if you have the option you should get them powder-coated - it'll run a pretty penny).
 
For marquee brackets and other metal trim parts, here's how I do it:
- Sand and prepare surface
- I don't bother with primer
- Rustoleum satin black (spray or roam roller) works awesome
 
I sanded mine and sprayed them with rustoleum hammered finish paint. It's not powder coating but it also cost me about $6 for Coin doors, monitor brackets, marquee brackets, etc.

This is what I do as well...

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primer is primer for the most part, the cheap stuff has worked fine for me, spray on for metal parts.

James hook up a link on primer! I'm stupid and need help. Most primers comes in white. Is that ok then put the black spray paint over it?

Also I am using a dremel tool to take off all of the paint on my coin doors/cpo stuff etc. Anyone use a dremel too for the DIY guys?

Thanks,
 
I've used the Dremel technique before.
Now, for a coin door, I just go to a local Body shop & ask if they can bead Blast it off.
Takes 3 mins, & it costs me only five bucks.

There are "many" times when a 6 Pack would just cover it.
 
I've used the Dremel technique before.
Now, for a coin door, I just go to a local Body shop & ask if they can bead Blast it off.
Takes 3 mins, & it costs me only five bucks.

There are "many" times when a 6 Pack would just cover it.

haha nice. Sounds like a good idea. What did you think of the dremel technique besides it taking some time?
 
Dremel's are good for those hard to reach spots, & it is Perfect when its 3am when a local body shop is closed for bead blasting.
Even does a better job when your OCD Meter is on FULL TILT & you want to get it done that minute.

I've been there. Dremel with a wire wheel is a must have in this hobby.
PSA: Wear Saftey glasses.
 
I've used the Dremel technique before.
Now, for a coin door, I just go to a local Body shop & ask if they can bead Blast it off.
Takes 3 mins, & it costs me only five bucks.

There are "many" times when a 6 Pack would just cover it.

When it comes out of the body shop's bead blaster it's in what condition? Ready to fine-sand and then get to priming?
 
No sanding needed. ready for primer. bead blasting removes all paint/rust off.
You'll have a nice clean bare piece of metal, but it you leave it bare too long it will start to rust.

There are many types of mediums: Glass beads, crushed walnuts (Used for softer thin sheet metals: aluminum) & then theres your sand blasting.


Here's an example of some guy blasting his metal lamp shade:


Hope this helps.
 
That's too damn cool.

Man, I'm thankful for this website. I didn't and still wouldn't know squat were it not for this forum.
 
James hook up a link on primer! I'm stupid and need help. Most primers comes in white. Is that ok then put the black spray paint over it?

Also I am using a dremel tool to take off all of the paint on my coin doors/cpo stuff etc. Anyone use a dremel too for the DIY guys?

Thanks,

most stores don't really advertise their spray paints so a link won't really help i guess :(

last time i bought primer i got it at wallyworld, and bought the absolute cheapest they had in a rattle can.
 
I tried the sand/prime /paint method...but ended up getting everything powder coated...I love the brand new look...its durability....and its one less thing I have to worry about. I strip off the metal and take to powder coater immediately when I start a restore... then when my cab is about done...the metal is usually done at same time...
 
Fixed it:
I remove pain with with alcohol. rubber gloves are optional.

I agree with prior posts. You can get a really nice finish with a rattle can if you prep it right. Powder coating seems to be the easier and more durable way to go.
 
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