we pressure wash with a caustic soap to strip the grease and oil off the paint and also it etches the paint , if the paint starts stripping keep peeling it off with the pressure washer , do not sandblast motors/axles or cylinders as the grit will get forced into the seals and gaskets and they will leak . then a wipe down with acetone to remove any dust , and we used a alkyd enamel industrial paint from ace hardware ( made by rustoleum ) and now Valspar is owned by rustoleum , no hardner unless it says on the label , and let dry for 2-3 days before removing any paper . and we used a pressure pot , or small roller ( 3") the finish comes out like glass