Equipment paint

What's everyone's thoughts or opinions about Van Sickle paint? Good, bad, does it fade like some of the other farm store brands? And how close do the colors match original? I've used BPS and Magic paints and thought they were horrible and will not use those brands again.

I am partial to the Rustoleum tractor and implement. Colors stand up well and color match is excellent. A little pricey, but worth it over the other farm store offerings. Home Depot carries a 2 pack at reduced pricing.

I like Rust-oleum too. Seems to stick
better & sun fade less.

I've read mixed reviews on VanSickle paints. Hard to tell whether the amateurs are using it properly and it's a paint problem, or an application problem, or some variation in batch formulation. The professionals will tell you it's a long way from an automotive enamel, but it's also a small fraction of the cost of a high quality paint. If all you're looking for is something in the right color and close to the right shade to protect metal from the weather for a few years, paint is paint. If you're looking to restore something to like new and want it to last another 50 years, pay for good paint.

I ordered some IH blue from here a few years ago, and they sent JD yellow (transposed numbers on the item). Wasn't worth sending back. I used some this summer on a mower deck. Seemed to go on fine (standard Binks style paint gun). Time will tell whether it holds up.

I've use a rattle can of Majic JD green for a alternator conversion on a neighbors tractor, and was not impressed in the least. Took a long time to tack, even longer to cure, and lost luster within weeks. When I got to do some more work on the tractor, I hit it with an old gallon of Valspar JD Green I had. That is holding up well, going on 4 years of full time outdoor weathering.

FWIW, it's my understanding that the IronGard paints from CNH, are made by Valspar. I have a gallon of 2150 red (IIRC about $70 at the local dealer) that I've used on a few projects, and am quite pleased with it.

My experience with Rustoleum is that without a hardener, the finish tends to remain soft for months. That could be a plus, or not.

I've had good luck with it. We repainted my Allis WD45 with it. Used the correct amount of hardener and it looks as good today as it did when we finished the tractor. I do keep it stored inside, so don't know how it would hold up sitting outside all the time.

I go to my friendly CNH dealer and buy their paint and thinner,( made by Valspar) and get compatible hardener at local independant auto parts store. No worry about color match and they have a wide variety of colors in stock for older Case, Case IH and Ford.

The only problem at both mt local CIH dealers is they keep trying to sell me power red when I ask for flambeau red, they tell me it's the same paint. I can get flambeau red at a local farm store in Van Sickle brand. Would you know a CIH part number for flambeau red?

Call John Saeli and get the Flambeau (VanShike) from him. Personally I see very little difference in the color, and paint all my stuff PR. Who will know the difference besides you????

I don't think we are talking rattle cans here, and I have found that you need lots of
heat and fresh air to get Rustoleum paint to dry in reasonable amount of time.
Loren

I used Van Sickle on my Fords. The ones without their hardener faded fast but the ones I used the hardener held up well. After I stopped painting tractors Van Sickle came up with a clear coat for their paint. I have not used the clear coat. I must add that I have learned a lot since I started painting tractors- it's all in the prep work.

Yes, prep work is about 95% of the work of painting.