Painting Crossmember: Satin, semi-gloss, or gloss black?
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Painting Crossmember: Satin, semi-gloss, or gloss black?
Hey guys,
Question: what color black is "more" correct for painting the crossmember?
Satin, semi-gloss, or gloss black?
I'm finally getting back on my stalled mm/pan gasket replacement project. The crossmember has some surface rust that I will be treating, and then I'll be painting it.
Won't be powder coating it, so no need to discuss that option.
Thanks,
Ed
Ps: I'm back in cosmoline hell!
Question: what color black is "more" correct for painting the crossmember?
Satin, semi-gloss, or gloss black?
I'm finally getting back on my stalled mm/pan gasket replacement project. The crossmember has some surface rust that I will be treating, and then I'll be painting it.
Won't be powder coating it, so no need to discuss that option.
Thanks,
Ed
Ps: I'm back in cosmoline hell!
Last edited by F451; 10-29-2012 at 01:22 PM. Reason: cosmoline hell
#2
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Would also be interested in hearing what type of paint to use. I was going to rattle can it with Rustoleum automotive paint (prep, prime, paint), but am reading conflicting info about the durability of Rustoleum vs more expensive paints.
I'm not looking for show quality results, I just want it to look decent and be fairly durable. I've had good luck painting my calipers and brake discs with rattle cans, so think I can get the crossmember looking pretty good.
Thanks.
I'm not looking for show quality results, I just want it to look decent and be fairly durable. I've had good luck painting my calipers and brake discs with rattle cans, so think I can get the crossmember looking pretty good.
Thanks.
#5
Rennlist Member
Ed - I'm thinking semi-gloss in rattle can. My cross member isn't glossy shiny (nor were my others). Also, I did strip and polish one, and it looked great - shiny aluminum.
#7
Man of many SIGs
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Factory finished for these types of things is usually satin. In the end, it's your car so do what you like. Or let your wife choose so she feels like she's a part of the process. It could pay off later.
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#10
Nordschleife Master
I bead blasted off any corrosion, and then used epoxy primer followed by black gloss epoxy "rust proofing" paint.
I considered powder coating, but powder coating is IMO too easily compromised by chips allowing corrosion/water underneath the coating. Its fine for stuff like intakes where it won't get stone chips.
I considered powder coating, but powder coating is IMO too easily compromised by chips allowing corrosion/water underneath the coating. Its fine for stuff like intakes where it won't get stone chips.
#11
Three Wheelin'
Rust converter will work. I wire brushed mine (didn't have my sandblaster at the time) and used rust converter on some deeper rust spots. F*ck powder coating... more trouble than it's worth. Any oils/greases will bubble up when they bake it. The only thing is that it's more environmentally friendly than spraying, and more durable, but i would question that last statement heavily.
Go with whatever finish you like... you don't even see the bloody thing, who cares?
Go with whatever finish you like... you don't even see the bloody thing, who cares?
#12
Chronic Tool Dropper
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Member
Lifetime Rennlist
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To get a good finish with anything north of satin requires a bit more prep. The cross member is not too tough in that regard with relatively few welds to dress. Another problem with gloss and even semi is that it shows crud and normal road film quickly, and is tough to get completely clean without streaks/spots/etc showing up after its dry. So my vote is for the original satin with as much prep as your time and budget will allow.
#14
Burning Brakes
My vote is for satin, I think more correct than a high gloss for undercarriage pieces. 17, I don't think your info here is accurate. With some things, such as magnesium, prep is important to avoid off-gassing. A properly prepped stamped steel part won't have any of these issues and is pretty strait forward to powdercoat. Any decent shop will off-gas a potentially oily part prior to coating. I know you've had some trouble, but be careful not to generalize how work is performed on all powdercoated parts. Countless car parts have been powdercoated all over the globe with no troubles. Just offering some perspective. Sorry for the thread hi-jack.
#15
Three Wheelin'
Maybe i was out of line saying that. However, it is a forum, and it is just my oppinion. I just think it's way more trouble than it's worth when with proper prep, a rattle can finish can turn out just as good. Just look at my crossmember, it turned out beautifully, it didn't even crack the paint when i banged it around putting it back in.