Paint Question

V

Vicinalvictor

Well-known Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

I'm working on a 5 x 10 utility trailer frame. I power washed it, but it is old and rusty. I cannot decide whether to use a rust converter, paint it with Rustoleum or what? What do you guys think?

 

jon f mn

Well-known Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

Definitely use the rust converter. You won't be sorry. After that is done you can paint over it for a nice finish if you want.

 

C

cool hand

Member

Location

SE IN

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

For rust converter to leave a paint-able surface must the surface first be cleaned of rust scale and to some degree roughness?

 

R

Rusty2N

Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

Small angle grinder with a crimped wire cup. Take as much rust off as easily possible. Clean with acetone and spray with rust-olem rusty metal primer. Follow directions as to doing color coats.

 

G

GordoSD

Well-known Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

Hit the big top flat spots witn and abgle grinder and some 60 grit flap wheels. Then rinse with dupont Metel prep Then prime and paint.

 

jon f mn

Well-known Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

You need to remove loose rust. But the one in use recommends leaving some rust on for it to react with. It goes on Grey and when enough coats are applied it turns black, then it's ready for paint. I can't think of the brand now, but I get it a the hardware store and it's called rust stop. Has always worked great for me.

 

I

in-too-deep

Well-known Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

Gotta get the flaky, crumbly stuff off. Get down to solid rust, if you know what I mean.

 

I

in-too-deep

Well-known Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

Jon, we posted at the EXACT same time. To the second.

 

I

in-too-deep

Well-known Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

Oh, nevermind. Lots of posts are the same time stamp. Must be a computer thing.

 

D

diesel fumes

Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

we have restored a few trailers and have had good results with por15, it is chip ressistant.

 

F

flying belgian

Well-known Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

I repaint lots of rusty metal. Get what you can with the 3 twisted wire wheel. Here's the trailer frame I did last February.

 

S

Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

I would think so, and any remains of paint would have to come off.

 

BarnyardEngineering

Well-known Member

Location

Rochester, NY

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

Be aware that rust converter is not a permanent solution. As soon as the reaction of the converter reaches completion, the part starts to rust again. Even if the product says it's the final solution.

You need to paint over the rust converter once it has "dried."

 

Geo-TH,In

Well-known Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

The active ingredient in most rust converters is phosphorus acid.

Check out Amazon for a gallon of phosphoric acid.
I think you get more bang for your buck at Amazon.

 

F

fixerupper

Well-known Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

I don't know what you have for power washer size but I have good luck with a 3500 PSI power washer with a good rotary nozzle. Any paint that is left is stuck on well enough it will not come off under the new paint.

 

D

diesel fumes

Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

i understand its the frame that is in question. the auto collector people have used pore15 for years on the cars they restore. it is applied over stable rust. just remove loose rust and dirt and any grease [clean as for paint] . yes; wire brushes and phosphoric acid also have theyr place in other situations.

 

J

JD Dave

Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

Well, old and rusty, can mean many things. If it's flaky, crispy rust, you'd better sandblast it if you want a thorough job. Go full blast and get the steel looking gray and smooth, then the old junk is gone. Spray on two full coats of self-etching primer and then topcoat. I've never been real happy with just applying rust converter before a topcoat. My opinion is rust converter is a band-aid.

 

WilBury

Member

• Apr 6, 2022

• #1

Looks like Loctite bought the Extend brand, so it's probably not too bad. I've used the old stuff & was satisfied.

 

S

Stephen Newell

Well-known Member

• Apr 7, 2022

• #1

The rust converter is really only good for light surface rust, usually on new metal. For what you are doing I think you would be better off using a knotted wire wheel on an angle grinder and clean it off. Then use an epoxy primer on the spots.