General Shop Tool and Equipment Paint Choice?

[SBOhio]

Looking for suggestions on a durable primer/ paint system for tool and equipment restoration.
Primer-2K Epoxy primer sounds really durable. But the recommendations I've seen say it's best to have a sandblasted surface and really clean. I'd like to be able to do some clean up with a wire wheel, sandpaper,Rotec wheels etc. They recommend using no laquer thinners, paint thinners, solvents etc. for prep. Complete media blasting isn't always practical.
I would like to find something reasonably safe to work with. Trying to avoid the isocyanates in some of the high end paint. I don't own a forced air respirator.
Durability and abrasion resistance. Our success with rust-oleum type paint on the farm has not been great. We've seen problems with rust thru, fading, and appears to be "soft" finish.
Solvent and oil resistance.
Ability to spray, roll or brush on.
As a side note my first order of business is to paint a Quincy Air compressor. I'm concerned whether the paint I choose will hold up to the heat on the head?

 

[countryroad82]

Equipment enamel would be my first choice, something that requires a hardener. Sorry but anything that is going to provide a little more durability is going to have all the bad stuff in it. I personally have had good luck with Rustoleum on equipment. Although it have added hardener to the mix although it's not reccomended.
If your paint is turning up gummy sounds like it's being laid on too thick or is being mixed as the directions say (I have never had good luck with the recommend mix ratio of 8:1). Also Rustoleum doesn't dry all that fast, it takes awhile lol.

 

[sberry]

Also most shop equipment is painted with common enamel and doesn't have to be as durable as something going outside, the rusto is great for this.

 

[SBOhio]

Equipment enamel would be my first choice, something that requires a hardener. Sorry but anything that is going to provide a little more durability is going to have all the bad stuff in it. I personally have had good luck with Rustoleum on equipment. Although it have added hardener to the mix although it's not reccomended.
If your paint is turning up gummy sounds like it's being laid on too thick or is being mixed as the directions say (I have never had good luck with the recommend mix ratio of 8:1). Also Rustoleum doesn't dry all that fast, it takes awhile lol.

What mix ratio and hardener would you suggest? What grit sand paper marks will enamel primer cover.

 

[countryroad82]

My mix ratio is normally around 4:1-3:1 on Rustoleum or most equipment enamels I will then add 1 part hardener so your ratio would be 4:1:1 or 3:1:1 this is for spraying btw not brushing. As for sand scratches, 180-220 for primer and for paint 320 will do well.

 

[justanengineer]

I use Rustoleum after a very careful prep and not having a booth or heat lamps, I spray in the morning outside and let the parts sit in the sun baking all day. Ive found that when they dont bake, there is a serious difference in durability.

 

[IndyGarage]

I was painting a forklift and I had the guy at Lowes recommend this stuff - he said it's like the OEM stuff that Valspar sells. It's called Valspar Anti-Rust Armor. He was able to tint it to that perfect almost lime green Clark Forklift color.

It worked so well and it's been really durable. I've used it on several pieces of equipment. I clean the same as you say - mostly heavy wire brush to remove rust and scale. Sometimes I prime with RustOleum Rusty Metal Primer. On more expensive jobs I've used epoxy primer.

They only have a few quart cans of it on the shelf at my local store, and it's kind of hidden, but I recommend it.


http://www.lowes.com/pd_83062-4-044.0021829.005_1z0yye7+1z140mc+2z8vk__?productId=3241016&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar|1%26page%3D1&facetInfo=Valspar|$10%20-$15

 

[bullnerd]

Indy can you try that link again, I'm curious now.

 

[stanleyoutdoors]

My dad gets heavy equipment paint from farm and fleet store
Comes in John Deere green, Cat yellow etc
Super durable

 

[sberry]

That paint is common enamel.

 

[SBOhio]

Also most shop equipment is painted with common enamel and doesn't have to be as durable as something going outside, the rusto is great for this.[/OTE]

Your right, these really are 2 different applications. The rustoleum and Farm and fleet paint get wiped out by the sun and rain on equipment stored outdoors. But I think solvent can be an issue with enamel even on shop equipment indoors. Does anyone have experience with 1 or 2 part urethanes?

 

[Krodad]

on certain tools and items, I use truck bed liner out of a rattle can. Only in black and it has a textured surface, but it's about as durable as you can get in a single component coating in a spray can. Not going to be your go-to for a lot of things, but it's great for the right application.

Also, the "high heat" and brake caliper rattle can coatings are also pretty durable.