Priming and Painting

Anonymous-0 · Mar 12, 2013

So I used a paint stripper and wire wheel to strip 97-98% or the rust and paint from the tractor (and have pretty much bare metal. I can provide a photo). I'm looking to paint the tractor so that I can bring it to shows here and there yet also have it so that if it gets dirty or scratched I don't loose my mind because I put all crazy money into it.

My question now is, do I have to sand the metal (or sandblast over what I wire wheeled)then clean it with a wax and grease remover? If do I just put a wax and grease remover on and begin to prime. Also, is a simple auto primer from say Autozone sufficient for this type of work? Unfortunately I live on Long Island and there is not a TSC or anything like that in my area. People have told me to use an etch or epoxy primer and then a 2k primer and all this stuff but I', not painting a '70 chevelle. Haha

This is my first project and I really need some extra advice on the painting part of the tractor.

Thank you!

Stephen Newell · Mar 12, 2013

I would do whatever it took to get the rest of the paint off. Sandblasting works the best but if your not equipped you might use a silicon carbide paint stripping wheel on a angle grinder. Depending on which brand paint stripper you used a lot of them contain wax to prevent it from evaporating so it would be a good idea to go over it with a wax and grease remover to be sure.

You don't normally have to sand the metal. Only if there is places to be repaired or rust to remove.

There is really no reason to attempt to do a good paint job and use a cheap primer. I'm a firm believer in using an epoxy primer. Etching primers work well on a car but the paint on a tractor is subjected to oils and chemicals which the epoxy is better able to handle. Also if you would topcoat with a 2k urethane it would also withstand chemicals as well. Yes, these finishing products are expensive however it's a lot more labor intensive to paint a tractor than a car and I would want the finish to last as long as possible.

CNKS · Mar 12, 2013

What Stephen said. As far as paint stay away from places like TSC and Autozone. Go to a real place such as an auto parts store that mixes quality paint. Always use epoxy primer.

showcrop · Mar 13, 2013

It is a waste to spend money on good primer unless you want the paint to stay on.

dr sportster · Mar 13, 2013

I had some paint lift off some valve covers I primed--meaning primer. The auto body supplier told me to always use an etching primer on bare metal. Normally I don't really trust a countermans word but he owned a body shop for years before becoming a sales guy. So on bare metal I use an etching primer. I also like to final clean my surfaces with detergent and hot water. It gets the prep-sol film off.I'm sure there is a good auto body supply on Long Island- that would be the best bet for paint. You aren't painting a 70 Chevelle but why waste paint and labor to have it come out poorly.

Priming and Painting

Anonymous-0

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Stephen Newell

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CNKS

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showcrop

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dr sportster

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