MTFCA Forum

What seems to be the best quality rattle can paint on the market? I've been using the pro grade Rustoleum with fairly good results, but wondered if there is something better out there.

I use Rustoleum satin black for engines and other chassis parts. It's very tough and long-lasting. I tried glossy on an engine and it looked horrible. For glossy stuff like wheels and body parts I've used appliance epoxy enamel. It has lasted very well too.

Valspar Paint-n-Primer-in-one (or sumptin like that) hands down.

I have not found a black color any better than Rustoleum. The problem though is that UV light breaks it down much quicker than automotive paint so it does not last any where as long if exposed to extreme sunlight and heat.

So I would guess that enamel paints used in, say 1920, would have about the same UV protection as Rustolum made today? For running gear, I use Rustolum. I would use brush on for larger stuff like frames and axles. Rattle cans for the smaller stuff.

A friend told me about Rustleum 2X paint with primer. It dries to touch in about 30 mins. Goes on nice but you have to keep distance because it sprays a pretty high volume. It is about all I use now. Gloss and satin.

John

The Home Depot near me sells Rustoleum.

I too swear by the 2X.

They also sell a Rustoleum Automotive Black that seems to be thinner and higher gloss. I found that it does not do well when sprayed over the dried 2X. It does work well on the external high visibility items.

I agree with Steve Jelf on the appliance epoxy enamel paint.

The appliance epoxy enamel is very tough. Just pay close attention to drying and recoat times. If not you will get a nice wrinkle finish

I used appliance epoxy enamel on the disk wheels on my 1925 cutdown. Time will tell how they hold up.

I use rustoleum Automotive Paint. I used to be able to buy it in stores but of late have had to get it on Amazon.

i also agree rustoleum 2x paint. nozzle doesn't wear your finger out. as mentioned distance is key because it dose come out 2x

Try tractor supply tractor enamel paint. Good stuff. On sale right now for $5 a spray can. It does not have the neat spry trigger. Very durable and shines up pretty nice!

Believe it or not, this 1926 front fender was painted with Rustoleum Appliance Epoxy. It is a beautiful true black, goes on great, levels out great and once it fully dries can be compounded to attain a mirror finish. These four photos were taken immediately after painting, before it was compounded. After several years, if it oxidizes, it can be compounded and be made to look like new again with a mirror like shine. Since I discovered this for myself, I use nothing else. Jim Patrick.

This stuff is great for places that take abuse. Like inside the wheel wells. When it drys it’s powdery. If done in the right temperature it sets hard as a rock. We use it all over the farm on cattle gates on welds after repair. Works great! Not cheap thou

Thanks for all the comments. I'm mainly looking to use a better quality paint for small parts and fasteners where cheap paint just doesn't hold up well. But, thanks to all for all the product ideas - I'll be picking up some of the appliance epoxy for sure. That fender looks fantastic!

Mike,
Not sure if you have Oriley's down there but I get VHT gloss black engine enamel there. It works great for small parts, if fuel resistant and hold up to 750 degrees if I remember right, dries relatively quick and has a good gloss. That way I can use it on pretty much anything from engine to chassis parts. Up here they still have lacquer in rattle cans, and that's my first choice for carburetors and sediment bulbs.
Good Luck

Has anyone used the cold galvanizing zinc 'paint' on rims? And if so how does it hold up? And fwiw, this is hardly off topic. Thanks, jb

James, Yep I have used the Rustoleum brand cold galvanizing spray on a set of 21" rims. It worked great, dries very flat, but has a good look of bare galvanizing although without the "pattern" that sometime galvanizing has. I did it on a car that belongs to the local historical farm and so far it has held up very well, I think for about 4-5 years.
Hope that helps

I might add that a trigger handle for a paint can is a good tool to have. It snaps on and makes it more like a paint gun.

John

Thanks, Kevin, I'm going to try that stuff. jb

John,
Where are the spray can handles sold. I don't remember seeing them in the paint sections in the stores I visit.

Art Mirtes

John,
Where are the spray can handles sold. I don't remember seeing them in the paint sections in the stores I visit.

Art Mirtes

Mine is a Rustoleum brand. I think I had to ask the sales guy where it was. Do IT Best hardware store.

I found for some other brand spray cans I had to sand the top of the push button flat to work better.

John

John,
Thanks for responding. I will look/ask for it

Art Mirtes

If that trigger attachment is like the only kind I've seen and had, it doesn't work on a lot of these new "modern" cans spray buttons. Just the good old fashioned little round kind. Maybe they've now got something new, but I've yet to see one.

Eastwood makes a two part paint in a spray can. You puncture the seal of the bottom of the can then mix by shaking and then spray

I used cold galvanizing spray paint on a gas tank and the paint turned to powder that you could wipe off with your hands.

Doesn't sound good, but it may be supposed to do that if it's intended to be an undercoat.

TWrenn wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 11, 2022 6:31 pm

If that trigger attachment is like the only kind I've seen and had, it doesn't work on a lot of these new "modern" cans spray buttons. Just the good old fashioned little round kind. Maybe they've now got something new, but I've yet to see one.

Tim,the trigger works on all Rustoleum paint that I have including the newer 2X. As mentioned the button of other brands sometimes needs to be sanded
or modified so the trigger pushes straight.For some it might not work.

Update,looks like new Rustoleum trigger is different, so my experience is only With the black one.

John

Okay. Thanks for the update! Lord knows where my trigger is!!