Craftsman's "Power Bronze" paint color

[rickhigginshtbr]

I know someone posted it before, but what paint has everyone been using to get close to that original late-50's - early-60's "Power Bronze" gold color on drill presses and saws? Debating using Rustoleums "Pure Gold", but don't want it to be... overwhelmingly gold?

 

[jakemac]

My computer is fried so I can't get to my notes, but here's what I posted in another thread a while ago.

I haven't found a perfect match for Cman's Power Bronze yet, but some members have used True Value's XO-Rust Bronze (XOP-32). I think it's too rich in color though.

I'm leaning towards Krylon's Satin Caramel Latte (#51250). It's harder to find, but seems to be closer to my eye. But I haven't committed yet.

I still haven't jumped in yet. I'm hoping that if I procrastinate long enough, someone will miraculously create a perfect match in a rattle can.

 

[pendragon1998]

True Value's XO-Rust Bronze. It is slightly off (of course it is, since it isn't the actual paint Craftsman used), but it is very close. Consider that once you put any painted item in your shop, the lighting is going to alter what a color looks like, anyway. Even the angle you look at original good paint changes its apparent color.

Original paint:

X-O Rust bronze:

It's good enough for me.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

that XO is pretty damn close. I checked lowes earlier and found one similar but too brown. Kinda get a few weird looks walking through the store with a 60 year old miter gauge

 

[pendragon1998]

I couldn't find anything at lowes. Try the X-O.

 

[bisley45]

True Value's XO-Rust Bronze is as close as I could find. I even tried to get it matched with no luck.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

Well, I brought it to work today, and found an exact match! Who would of thought Chrysler would have used an identical color as an old Craftsman tool? Well, matches up to the miter gauge at least, I still think it's a tad light, so going to try it on the motor mount tomorrow. Hoping the miter gauge just isn't faded out.







I did a test spray on it right under the CRAF of the logo. This Duplicolor BCC0401 Champagne Pearl is identical, just a tad bit glossier. I still may use something else a tad bit darker, but, this is it.

 

[jakemac]

If the glossy bothers you, you could always seal it with a semi or flat clear coat.

I made a note of your find, gonna have to remember to give it a try.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

So the champagne was.... really champagne. Snagged 4 cans at work, laid down the first coat... realized how light it sprays. Put down 3 coats and, I like the color, but not for the saw. Returned 2 cans, saving 2 for future projects.

Checked out the XO, which is a real good price, but it was a week out, and only shipped to my nearest TrueValue, which their hours aren't great and I wanted to get this going. So, saw someone else used Rustoleums Hammered Gold, so figured I'd give it a shot. Cool color, not huge on the hammered finish, but it'll do.



Should look great on the pedestal and body, not crazy with the finish on the miter gauge, but I'll live with it. Now to redo the numbers and lines in black.

 

[jakemac]

I picked up a can of that DupliColor for a sample and I agree. It's a nice color, and close, but not good enough. I'm still leaning towards Krylon's Satin Caramel Latte. It seems to be a hair closer to the original color than the Champagne, which is also close. At some point I'm going to have to commit, but I'm still not there yet.

The Rustolium is still the best color match, but the hammered finish just kills it for me.