TheSamba.com :: View topic - Closest paint alternatives to powder coating?

Tue Sep 24, 2013 8:17 am

What is the closest to powder coating durability and protection in spray(preferably) or brush on paint available? Or is that even possible? Or is it the obvious - POR15? I've seen some references to epoxy paint and frame paint, and would like to know specific brands and sources. Thanks!

Tue Sep 24, 2013 8:24 am

This is specifically why I do not like powder coatings. I am not of the belief that powder coating is more resilient to damage than some GOOD paint coatings, the difference is WHEN a scratch or chip occurs (which will with either paint or powder coat), you can repair the painted one.
I've had powder coated parts that a scratch turned to a chip, which turned to flakes, which became rust under the entire powder coat resulting in huge chunks coming off.
I have since un-powder coated pretty much everything on my bus and painted them instead with WURTH rust guard.
Talk about a durable product!

Tue Sep 24, 2013 10:18 am

jimeg wrote: What is the closest to powder coating durability and protection in spray(preferably) or brush on paint available? Or is that even possible? Or is it the obvious - POR15? I've seen some references to epoxy paint and frame paint, and would like to know specific brands and sources. Thanks!

Note that not all powder coatings are equal - I know a powder coater that bangs a 3-pound sledge on a test piece to prove that point to their customers. However, a single wheel processed by that company well over $100 (I think it was $160 - each,) and prep (included by them) is important. I've seen so many posts about getting a set of wheels done for $50-$100, but I have to assume the durabilty much be much, much less.

They also have flexible coating that is used on motorcross cycle springs.
This is not them, but watch for yourself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_fN-shOIzA

Personally, I'll be going with paint, because of cost, so I'll be following this thread.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 10:41 am

Like paint.. powder coating is all about prep. (IMHO)

I have had MANY powder coated items simply flake off big chunks of the coating.. showing corrosion underneath.
This on "new" parts and reconditioned parts...
Some made in the good ol USA, others made in China and elsewhere.

I prefer easy rattle can applied paint... Seems to hold up just about as well.
As long as parts are not exposed to salted roads, salt water etc.. a patina of modest corrosion is one of the best barricades to more rust.
I have a steel boat trailer that is "patina'ed and the steel is structurally like new.

You have to decide what your primary goal is.. Make the parts look nice? Or simply try to preserve them from wear and tear, weather and salt..

Tue Sep 24, 2013 10:45 am

Powder coating of new metal is the way to go.
Used, rusted and oxidized metal, not so much,
unless you have every mm sandblasted.

If the metal is rusted, Magnet Paints, POR15, Wurth, Eastwood...take your pick.

The prep work makes the biggest difference when it comes to strength and durability, IMHO.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 10:56 am

Waxing is a great way to preserve and help the appearance.

Wax and coatings are shown here living happily together.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 10:57 am

Given the OP's locale, I highly doubt that his chassis has rust like you east coast folks have in mind. Eastwood sells a chassis paint that I suspect is exactly what's needed as an alternative to powder coating.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 10:59 am

Zeitgeist 13 wrote: Given the OP's locale, I highly doubt that his chassis has rust like you east coast folks have in mind. Eastwood sells a chassis paint that I suspect is exactly what's needed as an alternative to powder coating.

Just stay away from the 2 part chassis products from Eastwood.
Not good reviews.

The Chassis Black and Extreme Chassis Black work well.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 11:03 am

Zeitgeist 13 wrote: Given the OP's locale, I highly doubt that his chassis has rust like you east coast folks have in mind

Waxing a van with minimal rust or no rust :roll: is still a great idea.

It matters not where you live, but more importantly whether you would like to keep rust away.

Yearly waxing will become all the rage :wink:

Tue Sep 24, 2013 11:04 am

insyncro wrote: Zeitgeist 13 wrote: Given the OP's locale, I highly doubt that his chassis has rust like you east coast folks have in mind. Eastwood sells a chassis paint that I suspect is exactly what's needed as an alternative to powder coating.

Just stay away from the 2 part chassis products from Eastwood.
Not good reviews.

The Chassis Black and Extreme Chassis Black work well.

Yeah, the chassis black is what I had in mind. Thanks for the tip on the two part.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 11:11 am

Zeitgeist 13 wrote: insyncro wrote: Zeitgeist 13 wrote: Given the OP's locale, I highly doubt that his chassis has rust like you east coast folks have in mind. Eastwood sells a chassis paint that I suspect is exactly what's needed as an alternative to powder coating.

Just stay away from the 2 part chassis products from Eastwood.
Not good reviews.

The Chassis Black and Extreme Chassis Black work well.

Yeah, the chassis black is what I had in mind. Thanks for the tip on the two part.

More specifically, the Eastwood 2 part chassis coating in rattle cans.
You have about a ten minute window before the tip gets clogged and by the time you clear it, the product is setting up.

Rattle can is the issue the OP will run into,IMHO, I would get a low cost HVLP gun and buy quarts of quality coating.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 1:03 pm

Had excellent long term results from Dupont's Imron on my motorcycle frames, fork legs and such so I went with it for my vans top coat.

I just painted my suspension parts in Imron too.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 2:03 pm

chojinchef wrote: Had excellent long term results from Dupont's Imron on my motorcycle frames, fork legs and such so I went with it for my vans top coat.

I just painted my suspension parts in Imron too.

Imron ain't what it used to be, but is still very strong and durable.
Most UPS and FedEx trucks are painted with Imron.
Many airplanes too.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 2:37 pm

insyncro wrote: chojinchef wrote: Had excellent long term results from Dupont's Imron on my motorcycle frames, fork legs and such so I went with it for my vans top coat.

I just painted my suspension parts in Imron too.

Imron ain't what it used to be, but is still very strong and durable.
Most UPS and FedEx trucks are painted with Imron.
Many airplanes too.

My father's dump trailer for his semi was painted in Imron. Did well for years.
Yes, today's imron is not what it used to be (environmental reasons I guess) but still good stuff

Tue Sep 24, 2013 3:17 pm

insyncro wrote: Waxing is a great way to preserve and help the appearance.

Wax and coatings are shown here living happily together.

That one looks to pretty, I'd be scared to get it dirty.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 3:29 pm

Syncros like getting dirty. :wink:

Another advantage to waxing is that after a good washoff, just reapply some wax in areas that need it.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 7:28 pm

VHT #670 gloss black or #671 satin black chassis paint. VHT is an epoxy paint I have used it for over 20 years with much success. I used to hate rattle can epoxy paints VHT has won me over. Uprights/bearing carriers are #670 gloss black, lower control arms #671 Satin. Needs to be 65 degrees or warmer when using this paint. Get it at Summit or Amazon or whoever has best price on a Google search.

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Tue Sep 24, 2013 7:30 pm

insyncro wrote: Waxing is a great way to preserve and help the appearance.

Wax and coatings are shown here living happily together.

That's a borderline pornographic photo right there.

Tue Sep 24, 2013 7:57 pm

It is hard to make suggestions when you have not listed what you want to coat.

I find "Extend" rust treatment to be the easiest, most durable base coat you can put on anything with any amount of corrosion, then prime and paint.

Neil2

Tue Sep 24, 2013 9:46 pm

furrylittleotter wrote: It is hard to make suggestions when you have not listed what you want to coat.

I find "Extend" rust treatment to be the easiest, most durable base coat you can put on anything with any amount of corrosion, then prime and paint.

Neil2

I am looking to paint partially rusted SA steelies.
What would be the best rust treatment, primer, and paint choices to reach near powder coat appearance?