Painting frames

[ilm25_5]

What should I do to paint a frame or roll cage? Mild steel isn't going to last long exposed but no ever seems to discuss paint. Is there a cheap paint that can be purchased from big box stores like tremclad but is a good quality grade? Is there some type of clear coat?

[tazmannusa]

A lot go with powder coating , I painted my own, sandblast with epoxy coating, labor intensive and not cheap

[Jrgunn5150]

Actually, Tremclad, or Rustoleum here in the State's, works pretty well. I use it on the frames and undersides of all my trucks and it holds up for 3 year's or so before I have to touch it up.

[jaywebguy]

Nice thing about paint, is it's easy to touch up later. Not so much with powder coating. After redoing the front end of my car, we sprayed it with a white primer (rattle can) than again with some florescent orange paint. Worked out pretty good, not perfect, but from 10 feet you can't tell, oh and it was cheap.

[MASCMAN]

I would love to do powder, but I have a gallon each of Black and red Rustoleum...going to brush it on and make sure i get into all the cracks and crevices.

I would love to powder, but I can't justify it for my cheap project, plus as mentioned above, easy to touch up.

[Jrgunn5150]

Exactly why I use it on rock sliders and skid plates and bumpers lol. I know they are going to get beat up, so no sense in some high dollar finish that can't be easily fixed.

[daaboots]

Just make sure the frame is degreased really well before you paint. It also helps to use some primer.

[iflytii]

I've use por-15 on a lot of roll cages we build. It brushes on easy (can be sprayed too), lays pretty flat once dry and when done properly is very durable.

http://www.por15.com/

[jrelson]

Old thread, but I'm curious if there's any important prep needed when using por15.

[daaboots]

Old thread, but I'm curious if there's any important prep needed when using por15.

Make sure you degrease the surface very well and remove the big chunks of rust with a wire wheel or something. I've used POR15 before as well and it's tough as nails!