Paint recommendations for pallet rack beams

[restorick]

Hey all,

I found a smoking deal locally on a couple of pallet racks. Only problem is the beams are rough. I'll be installing the racks in the shop/garage, and my bride isn't keen on the mix of orange, rust and black magic marker (neither am I, actually).

I'll be blasting the beams this weekend, but will be painting instead of powder coat. I don't expect a ton of wear and tear, but I would like this to be a paint once operation. Appreciate any thoughts on brands/types. I would prefer spray cans, but could setup a LVLP gun if needed.

Thanks!
Rick

 

[The Cobbler]

any direct to metal alkyd base paint will be fine

 

[like2wheel]

Blasting as in sand blasting?
That level of prep deserves something better than spray bombs.

 

[86turbodsl]

I hit mine with a wire wheel quick to knock the loose stuff off, then TSC tractor paint with brush. It's been fine for several years.

 

[theoldwizard1]

... then TSC tractor paint with brush.

Tractor and implement paint is excellent for this type of application. Several different brands available, but probably not at your local suburban hardware.

 

[DanarchyCustoms]

I have always been a fan of the Benjamin Moore DTM High Lustre. Used it on my welding table and its been holding up well. Cost me about $50/gallon which is a pretty good price. Any true 'paint store' should have it. Good solution for painting metal without a primer or anything too exotic.

 

[Mr_fixit]

I pressure washed mine and then used a paint roller and brush with rustoleum type paint. I wouldn't sand blast anything unless you want to do it again in a couple years.

 

[restorick]

Appreciate the suggestions. To clarify - I only sandblasted areas that were very bad and lightly hit everywhere else to get some tooth. I've started using the Rustoleum farm paint - roll and brush - and it's covering very well.

Mama is happy...

Thanks everyone!
Rick

 

[ManOnTheCouch]

I also like the Rustoleum hammered paint for rough surfaces. It tough paint and hides lots of imperfections

 

[Innovate1]

Realize this is a couple year old thread but just picked up 2 sections of pallet rack and have the exact same issue. It's in good shape but orange and very dusty. Figured I would hit it with a hose first. Then need to get off some stickers. Then some paint. Do I need to do something to the paint to get good adhesion? It's pretty glossy. Any ideas on how much will be needed?

I got the shelving with it - about 5/8" particle board but it seems to have stood up well. It's dusty as all get out but not oily/grimy. Thinking it would be good to clean them off and hit them with a few thin coats of polyurethane or some such. Hopefully some thin coats will seal without soaking up a ton. Any suggestions on cleaning and sealing them?

BTW, got a section of 8' x 8' high by 30" and one 8' x 12' high by 24" for $800 which seems like a good price given the good condition.

 

[HaiKarate]

Mine were filthy and rusty - I pressure washed and hit the heavier rust with wire wheels. Spray bombed with a random assortment of black spray enamels acquired at garage sales first, then used a few cans of hammer finish as a topcoat. Holding up well 10 years later under moderate abuse.

 

[rayra]

Seconding Rustoleum hammered finish, comes in quarts, very durable. And the texture hides any prior damage. Comes in several colors.

 

[nadogail]

In my area oil based paint is severely restricted. I have to tell the store that I need the oil paint because I need corrosion resistance or a fire retardant coating.

Tractor and Implement paint is my recommendation.

 

[Dig Doug]

Any one have any pics of their painted racking?

pics go a long way!

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Just a quick FYI: I did these steel beams in my old garage with a 79 cent little foam roller from Home Depot using Rustoleum's hammered finish paint. No prep whatsoever and the stuff dries HARD as hell. It's a weird paint in that it starts to become "hammered" as you roll it. Sorta gets glue-y but just keep on rolling. It's exactly what I'd use on your pallet rack beams.

 

[Innovate1]

I'm thinking I need to scuff the existing paint to get good adhesion because it is glossy. Am I overthinking this? Thinking spray would be good but I would need to get someone else to do that unless I use a number of rattle cans.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I can guarantee if you use the Rustoleum Hammered stuff that I posted pics of - you don't have to do a DAMN thing to prep it. I even rolled some on the frame of my then-unrestored '55 Chevy truck and this stuff goes on, gets VERY hard and covers a lot of imperfections.

 

[csp]

Hammerite > Rustoleum hammered finish IMO.

Tractor paint = alkyd enamel and you can find lots more colors at an actual paint store. Add a hardener and it's the toughest stuff I've found.