Help - Painting metal table / work bench

[RD350]

Hi all :

I require some expert advise as I am a novice when it comes to painting and restoring.
Attached pictures are of the metal table / work bench that I bought for my garage. I managed to scrape the old paint off the top with a metal scrapper by hand.
The edges seem to be a bit tough to get rid of the paint.
I bought the Yellow anti-rust paint (can on the table)
So my question is:
What chemical or detergent shall I use to clean the table after scraping of the paint and rust?
Do I need to spray red oxide primer prior to spraying the yellow Tremclad although it says on the paint can that no primer is required?
Any advice is welcome on how to go about this. Many thanks in advance.

Regards.

Daryl

 

[RD350]

3rd picture

 

[1redTA]

try any of the paint stripper at AutoZone that says aircraft stripper? As far as refinishing it, degrease prime and paint or you can leave it bare with a little oil on it

 

[KEH]

The simple redneck way to degrease the table if desired is to dampen a rag with gasoline, alcohol, or maybe paint thinner, and allow to dry overnight, then paint. It is just fineto put a primer coat on but for a work table for interior use it's not really necessary. That can of spray paint will not go far on that table, it will be much cheaper to buy good quality machinery enamel paint and brush it on. I estimate no more than 2 quarts will cover it, but make no promises. Get one quart of a common variety of paint and see how far it goes. If you can get a color match with cans of paint save the spray paint for corners and underneath. Looks like a great table BTW.

KEH

 

[6768rogues]

I use Norton AVOS discs on an angle grinder. They are like sandpaper but are tough enough to grind welds. Then wash it with lacquer thinner or brake cleaner.

 

[97nismo]

Throw it in the truck and get it powder coated for 100 bux and forget about it

 

[Shootinok]

That's a great table you found.
Assuming it's still going to be worked on and not a piece of art, as long as the paint left is sound (not peeling) you don't really need to remove it.
You may want to sand the edges of the old paint and feather them down so they don't show through the new paint.
Not familiar with that paint, but I use a primer on bare metal. You mentioned red primer - it would be easier to cover Grey primer with Yellow. Also remember to apply the yellow in multiple thin coats.

 

[RD350]

Gentlemen :

Greetings from Canada and happy 4th of July to all:
Thank you all so very much for your guidance on the painting process. I have sanded it down to the bare metal as the paint was peeling off.
I will wipe it down with lacquer thinner and then have it painted directly with the spray can paint pictured on the table. I will buy a couple of more cans.
The purpose of the table is for light work and occasionally working on my RD350 engine when I open her up to replace seals and crank etc. so all in all general work, nothing heavy.
I got a very good deal on this table, bought it from a scrap yard. I paid $120 and its heavy metal sans any damage or dents.

Have a great day every one and will post pictures post painting. Take care.

Kind regards,

Daryl

 

[DCarr2]

Spray paint ***** for this application. It simply doesnt have the thickness to be worth it.

if it were my table, I would paint it with 2 part epoxy... lol

 

[RD350]

Good day all:

Just a quick update on the progress of my work table.
I sanded it to the bare metal with a wire brush, then wiped it clean with thinner. However the thinner that I used seem to have some oil residue so I went ahead and washed the table with strong detergent and hot water and then after drying hit it with primer……
I will paint the yellow with brush. Below are a few pictures. Will post more once completed.

One question though. Although this table is solid metal, I would like to keep it really clean. From time to time I will be splitting my motorcycle crankcases, assembling them back, minor mechanical jobs etc. On the right hand corner I will have the Record bench wise.

So I would like to know what type of rubber sheet cover or any other matting material would you recommend to throw on the top of the table?

Thank you all once again for helping me out with this job.

Kind regards,

Daryl

 

[EOC_Jason]

I will sometimes throw a piece of cardboard on top of my bench for certain projects...

If you wanted a thick HD rubber, maybe get a horse mat and trim to fit?

 

[Coaster Mech]

That is a nice looking table. I have a similar project going on, however i went with the wire wheel and elbow grease method for stripping the paint, which is actually still on going. For the table top i am leaving that bare metal since every shop i have ever been in uses bare metal table tops and i want mine to be the same way. This way you can just refresh them with a disc sander and a little oil. Plus you never have to worry about scratching it. I cant wait to see your finished project!!

To answer your rubber sheet question. i would use some old conveyer belt. I have used this for many projects and it truely is a miracle material (3/8"-1/2" reinforced). I personally used to change conveyer belts and had easy access to the old belting. Unfortunately finding some on an outside level may prove difficult.

 

[jaysberman]

a piece of masonite or mbf makes a quick cover

 

[JimNC]

I predict that you will eventually hate having a painted top. Just a guess.

 

[RD350]

Hi Folks – Mission accomplished! Attached are a few pictures. The table top has two coats. Entire table was sanded down to the bare metal, primed with primer and then two coats of yellow by hand paint brush.
Thanks to those that guided me.