Machine paint.

[Aircooled6racer]

Hello: I just thought I would ask about the best machinery paint to paint up some out machines I have. I just thought I would ask first Thanks, Eric

[Toolguy]

The epoxy based paints usually last the longest. Check the industrial supply places for machine paint.

[HSMITH]

What kind of machines in what kind of environment?

[Aircooled6racer]

Hello: Bridgeport mill, Monarch lathe and a Norton surface grinder. The weather is humid about 70-80% most of the time. Some coolant used on the mill and lathe and lots on the surface grinder. I would prefer a brush on paint but would be willing spray it as well. I just thought these 50 plus year old machines needed a little face lift. I also have some other small machines that could use some paint as well. Thanks, Eric

[Radical Precision Designs]

Hello: Bridgeport mill, Monarch lathe and a Norton surface grinder. The weather is humid about 70-80% most of the time. Some coolant used on the mill and lathe and lots on the surface grinder. I would prefer a brush on paint but would be willing spray it as well. I just thought these 50 plus year old machines needed a little face lift. I also have some other small machines that could use some paint as well. Thanks, Eric

Eric-

Much more so than the paint itself, surface preparation is the real issue. Some of these old machines have oil soaked deeply, and it has to be degreased completely before any new paint will take proper hold and not peel off in the presence of some oils and solvent commonly used on daily work routines. Heck I remember years ago repainting one of my old "M" heads Bridgeports that was pretty ratty looking and I used a good alkyd floor enamel (brushed in) after degreasing and some fifteen years later when I sold it was still looking great. I still have an old Milwakee drill press that I painted at the same time and it is holding great. But as mentioned above, a good epoxy based paint will have much better chemical resistance, but it will require and even better degreasing and scuffing of the base paint. It will be worth your while when you finally look at the finished product. Good luck with it.

[shred]

I used Tractor Supply machinery paint on the Sheldon lathe I refurbed since it was available locally and had a good reputation. Massey-Ferguson Gray is pretty much your usual battleship grey, though you can get other colors. Comes in rattlecans and in quarts. I started with the spray, but moved to the brush-- nicer finish and easier to paint as well. Brush marks just disappear as it dries. It's held up very well to oil and coolant and swarf and all.

If you make a hot TSP solution and dunk parts in there, it works great as paint stripper, grime remover and degreaser all in one. You'll need to prime quickly or rust sets in.