Painting metal

[sparks57]

This really has nothing to do with the first gen trucks, but I don't know where to go for an answer.



I want to re-paint my flatbed, and I have been using rustoleum (or however you spell that) and I don't like how it marks up and wears off so easily. I ussualy give one or two coats of primer and 2 coats of paint.



What is the best way to paint a flatbed, would an air brush sprayer thing work better than cans of spraypaint? Which paints are the toughest? What about clear coats?



Thanks,

Chris

 

[Philip]

When ever I have something with a flatbed on it. I just use a brush to paint it. Spray can paint doesn't hold that good. If the bed is heavy with rust I use wrought iron paint. I put down two coats then go over it with one coat of gloss black. This will last for a couple of years of mild use.



I use paint from this company.



http://www.sherwin-williams.com/



The wrought iron paint works well on heavy rust. Just hit the loose rust with a powered wire brush. Then paint.

 

[sparks57]

I have zero rust. When I got the flatbed, it was covered in rust, but I spent like 3 days on it with sandpaper and a dremel and got it all off.



I will look into that.



Thanks

 

[Clarkoh]

Try a roller??

I built a trailer for hauling cars for a guy. I was trying not to overspray everything in my shop, but wanted a nice job on the diamond plate. Used a roller with black Rustoleum over the primer. That enamel takes so long to dry, that it just flattened out into a super shiny smooth finish! The guy who bought it was amazed when I told him I rolled it! It held up pretty well too!

 

[sparks57]

Hmmm... . maybe I should try to roll it on.



Did anyone put a coat of sealer or a clearcoat over top?



How does semi-gloss or gloss paint look on a flatbed? I thought it would look funny, but now I am starting to think it might look good.

 

[Philip]

How does semi-gloss or gloss paint look on a flatbed

If you don't wax the bed it will dull down after a month or so. So weather you use a semi or gloss paint won't matter.



I have never clear coated a bed. I think of that as a waste if you plan on working the bed any.