Paint for a workbench

[Rod N]

I want to paint the front of my workbench black.
It was a military test bench and the paint has stood up really well.
Any suggestions on what paint to use? I want it to be equally tough and not scuff easily.
Should I remove the old paint? Primer? Sand?
Thanks
Rod

 

[couch67]

Nice workbench! My first instinct would be sand / prime / paint but those look old and likely the paint contains lead. I'm sure the guys who have more experience restoring older pieces will chime in....

 

[rburke65]

So use a mask..sand and vacuum off the dust and use a good oil base paint

 

[nadogail]

I would first wipe it down with Oil & Grease Remover, then spray it with an Oil Based Enamel.

 

[Rod N]

I would first wipe it down with Oil & Grease Remover, then spray it with an Oil Based Enamel.

Would brake clean work? Rather go with a brush because of overspray.

 

[LeonardY]

I wouldn't use brake cleaner. Just get a gallon of something like ZEP citrus degreaser.
I would sand wear a mask and then use a shop vac with a bag to clean up.
Then use a bonding primer and paint. A brush is fine.

 

[bdbecker]

I used this stuff when I was refinishing my shelves:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ol...sed-Interior-Exterior-Paint-7779402/100157293

I've been very happy with its durability so far.

 

[Shiftless]

As said earlier, that old paint probably has lead in it so sanding without hi tec HEPA filters etc. is hazardous to your health. I assume you’re not going for show car levels of finish for that workbench anyway. If you HAVE to smooth the surface, use wet sanding sponges rinsing often.

Clean off old dirt and grease with all purpose cleaner like 409 or diluted simple green or whatever you have. When it’s dry, apply a good primer. Acrylic is OK. I like STIX. Then top coat using a good brush. I think a top quality acrylic paint will work fine. You can get smoother results and minimize brush marks by adding a bit of extender or even a bit of water. Two or three thin coats will give you a fine looking and durable finish.

With acrylic paint, it’s easy to touch up if damage happens that you can’t live with. Clean up is so much easier than with oil base that you’ll be more inclined to do touch ups. Drying time is faster too.

Black will show dust more than other colors. How about gray?

 

[TheClaw]

Ben Moore has a product call Scuff-X for high traffic commercial areas. Prime and use a wizzy roller for most surfaces Brest you cutting. I've put it in my garage and with customers. Good stuff for this.

Sent from my LG-H931 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Shiftless]

Ben Moore has a product call Scuff-X for high traffic commercial areas. Prime and use a wizzy roller for most surfaces Brest you cutting. I've put it in my garage and with customers. Good stuff for this.

Sent from my LG-H931 using The Garage Journal mobile app

I use it too. You can wash and scrub the surface. Amazingly durable.

 

[Rod N]

Ben Moore has a product call Scuff-X for high traffic commercial areas. Prime and use a wizzy roller for most surfaces Brest you cutting. I've put it in my garage and with customers. Good stuff for this.

Sent from my LG-H931 using The Garage Journal mobile app

A bit of research and it sounds like this stuff will work really well.
Too bad I can only find it in gallons around here