using dtm (direct to metal) paint

[dieseltech0593]

hey all has anyone had any luck or success using dtm paint applying it with a brush for a smooth finish and getting a couple rattle cans made for extremely visible areas I'm refinishing a toolbox so i was thinking brush the inside of the drawers and spray the fronts or does anyone make a dam paint in a spray can from a big box store?
regards richard

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Rustoleum,....

 

[Shiftless]

I used Ben Moore DTM (direct to metal) paint on some newly fabricated structural steel. I prepped it by rubbing it down with acetone and Scotchbrite wiping it clean with paper towels. Then 2 coats of DTM (black) following directions on the can. Two years in the weather and it looks great. Just a slight gloss reduction. You can't see brush strokes unless you look really close.

 

[readhead]

I've been using DTM for 16 years and when the material is prepared properly it is very durable. I started with Sherwin Williams and then switched to Benjamin Moore. The BM is a better quality and sprays much better. Rustoleum is also a DTM product. A good paint store can make spray cans from the paint you buy. The bad thing about DTM is that most of it is only avaliable in gallons. Rustoleum is avaliable in quarts but can't be tinted.

If you can spray the outside why wouldn't you spray the inside of the drawers?

 

[NUTTSGT]

For the inside of the drawers, you might want to consider a roll on bed liner. That's what I used for my tool box repaint.

 

[Shiftless]

For the inside of the drawers, you might want to consider a roll on bed liner. That's what I used for my tool box repaint.

That sir, is an Excellent idea!

 

[fastbike02]

I've seen cars rolled with dtm paint using a foam roller and buffed to a new car shine just depends on how much work you want to invest

 

[NUTTSGT]

That sir, is an Excellent idea!

Probably not the best picture but I did the inside before I sprayed the outside.

 

[motofool33]

Probably not the best picture but I did the inside before I sprayed the outside.

great idea

 

[dieseltech0593]

I've been using DTM for 16 years and when the material is prepared properly it is very durable. I started with Sherwin Williams and then switched to Benjamin Moore. The BM is a better quality and sprays much better. Rustoleum is also a DTM product. A good paint store can make spray cans from the paint you buy. The bad thing about DTM is that most of it is only avaliable in gallons. Rustoleum is avaliable in quarts but can't be tinted.

If you can spray the outside why wouldn't you spray the inside of the drawers?

trying to keep the cost low the paint store by me charges $13 a can to put it into a spray can and i don't have the setup for a hvlp gun as much as i wish i did and I've never heard good results with the wagner or similar airless paint sprayers for a smooth finish

 

[dieseltech0593]

I've seen cars rolled with dtm paint using a foam roller and buffed to a new car shine just depends on how much work you want to invest

what do you have to do to buff it out to get any ridges out i already have benjiman moore dtm paint with a custom tint from my other box and I'm thinking about putting clear coat over the top of it to get more durability and shine

 

[Barnabas]

Here is a good thread about painting a car with a roller.

http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=2331682&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1

 

[Streetbu]

Here's a related question. Why do some if the DTM paints actually recommend a primer first for bare metal? That's the whole point, otherwise it's not DTM paint... LOL

 

[njride]

I used it to redo some old aluminum window awnings on a rental. My uncle wanted to just use whatever was laying around, and gave me **** about the price, i think it was 55 per gallon for benjamin moore. Its the right stuff to use for aluminum.

After a good wash and scuff with scotchbrite pads i brushed it on.

Reinstalled the awnings and they honestly look as good now as the day i did them 3 yrs ago. Was worth the money as opposed to cheaping out and having to redo them every couple years.

 

[vision8]

Hey Barnabas,
Thanks for the thread re: painting. Timely as I am going to do a DIY on my restore and refurbish and the old money tree ain't in great condition these days!