painting stainless !!

tim2658 · 20 June 2009, 21:05

i know this might sound a mad thing to do, but i just got hold of an a frame for my avon but it is a bit of a mess,its had a couple of repairs which have been done lovely but have gone rusty and the rest is well scratched up and i think it would look smart in black has anyone ever painted stainless and will the paint hold ok ,but apart from all this it was a bargin price of £50 so cant moan

chewy · 20 June 2009, 21:08

You could get it powder coated?

Downhilldai · 20 June 2009, 21:54

Or you could polish it back to a nice shiny finish.

jwalker · 21 June 2009, 00:29

Or you could go to B&Q and buy a tin of International's satin black. If you need larger quantities, get one tin of gloss and one of matt and mix em.
It is paint so it'll wear through if something rubs on it eg. A mooring line.

Nos4r2 · 21 June 2009, 00:35

Repolishing it is probably a better idea-even powder coating comes off without much use.

jwalker · 21 June 2009, 00:44

Yeh but don't underestimate paint. All my stainless is painted with satin black. It's been there for more than four years and much of it is actually in the sea. It's not needed a repaint yet. Preparation was a good wipe down with thinners and then no handling before the paint went on.

Nos4r2 · 21 June 2009, 00:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

Yeh but don't underestimate paint. All my stainless is painted with satin black. It's been there for more than four years and much of it is actually in the sea. It's not needed a repaint yet. Preparation was a good wipe down with thinners and then no handling before the paint went on.

That's quite impressive.

Chris · 21 June 2009, 06:51

If you key the stainless by taking off the shine with some wire wool or course sandpaper that would help the paint stick.

chewy · 21 June 2009, 08:12

Just don't use mild steel wire wool!

tim2658 · 22 June 2009, 06:52

cheers guys thats very helpful i will go and fit it all on this morning and have a look, cheers tim

JABS · 22 June 2009, 07:43

Don't fit it until you have decided what to do with it!

Use oxalic acid to remove the rust and then polish it using a buffing wheel on your drill.

It will be as much work to prepare it for painting or powder coating andit will look better!

Jizm · 24 June 2009, 19:53

What about using acid etch primer to prep the stainless?

jwalker · 25 June 2009, 00:57

Stainless steel is stainless because a layer of chromium oxide quickly forms on its surface to isolate the underlying steel. You don't really want to remove this protection.

Bigmuz7 · 25 June 2009, 06:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

Stainless steel is stainless because a layer of chromium oxide quickly forms on its surface to isolate the underlying steel. You don't really want to remove this protection.

I take it that polishing to a bright finish doesnt remove that 'passive oxide' coat though ?

jwalker · 25 June 2009, 09:38

My understanding is that is does but the chromium quickly reacts with oxygen to form a new coat.

I've used polyurethane transport paint and the International paint I've mentioned earlier and they both adhered well to the bare metal after it was cleaned using thinners. Most paints harden with age so I guess damage will occur under impact. Much like it would to a car or other painted object.

palehorse · 31 July 2009, 03:51

we use it here in the us on guns but would work great on marine stuff never rusts its ceramic smells nasty and fun to spray but would last years and comes in lots colors web site is called NIC Co hope this helps

doggypaddle · 31 July 2009, 11:17

I would seriously polish it and see how it comes up. As Jwalker points out it quickly passivates then its virtually maintenence free.
painting may seem like a quick fix but once its painted you wil need to keep painting it as damage occurs.
if you do paint it to do a really pukka job you should get it media blasted, leave to passivate a few days ,acid etch primed, then painted with a 2pack epoxy or PU. powder coating is fine too if its done properly, and as NOS observed it rarely is.
To be honest to paint it properly would cost near as much as a new A frame, I see Halfrauds do sell acid etching primer in aerosols £10 last time i looked, may be worth a try? with top coat of your choice as a cheap DIY job!

Simon B · 31 July 2009, 16:09

If the "repairs" are rusting they may have been done with non-stainless rod or you may simply have oxides left from the welding process. To remove the dirt etc asociated with the welding find some pickling solution, a local welding supplies outfit will know what it is. Then as previously said polish to mirror finish. If you dont mind a more neutral workmanlike finish you could get it bead blasted BUT make sure they dont use same beads as ferrous work or like the wire wool mentioned earlier it will set your stainless of rusting "stainless" steel is a misnomer, more like rust resisting steel.

AllenF · 31 July 2009, 18:15

use plasticoat spray enamel on it after scuffing it up with 320 grit paper
then flat it with a scotchbrite pad and give it a couple or four coats of plasticoat laquer

A friendly chat with a spray shop could see you 40 quid lighter and have it two packed in black then baked