dedhed

Look up Gibbs.

Gibbs Brand: The Amazing Bare Metal Car

Lemond1985

Interesting. Took me a minute to realize that it's not paint it's just a really strong rust inhibitor. So a car needs re-application 2-3 times a year, I wonder how often a bike that is stored indoors would need re-application?

Maelochs

I have an old Raleigh that I stripped to bare metal and tried to clear-coat. I used some decent stuff---Eastwood Diamond Clear---but it rusted underneath.

I asked around online, and everyone told me that it would happen. It did. As you mention, even the slightest bit of stuff in a tiny scratch will spread. You mentioned oxalic acid? I know nothing about it, but i definitely suggest some kind of treatment because it is impossible to get oxygen out of the air, and oxygen causes rust.

I'd ask local powder-coat shops if they can do clear and spend the $100, or just accept hat you might get spreading rust blooms under the paint,.

Lemond1985

"A paint's got to know its Limitations."

Sorry, had a movie flashback, couldn't resist.

Lemond1985

Well, Minwax polyurethane fail. Here's my fork after a couple weeks outside in the rain:



That orange stuff isn't rust, I don't think. The Minwax turned that color all by itself. Gross and totally unacceptable.

Minwax came off easily with some airplane stripper. I'm now trying out some of the 2 part clear, Spray Max 2k. Maybe this stuff will work.

ArmChairRider

Yowzer!
It's the Montauk Beast or a snakehead fish!
I kinda thought it was going to go downhill, but had no idea it would be that fast.
Thanks for the update.
Looking forward to the update with the 2k product.

skyblue1

That metal car is something of a sensation!

Lemond1985

I painted a frame and two sets of forks over the weekend with one can of the Spraymax 2K. Fantastic results, I can't say enough good things about the product (so far). Sorry for the crappy pic, it's all I have for now.



The 2K product actually has 2 containers of 2 different substances. When you shake it up, you can hear two different balls rattling around. I believe it's paint + a hardener. Stuff goes on like a dream, and dries very fast. It's difficult to make it drip, but if you spray it on heavy enough it will eventually, but it's very forgiving stuff. You're supposed to wear protective gear and a respirator, I just held my breath and wore rubber gloves. The stuff actually doesn't smell that bad, it smells pretty good, I dare say.

I used three medium coats, until the can was empty.

Anyway, excellent product, but I need to see how well it protects the bare steel against rust over time. The finish looks very professional though, I didn't know they sold paint this good to Joe Six Pack, the weekend bicycle painter, but apparently they still do. I give this stuff 10 stars (so far anyway).

Maelochs

Keep us apprised please.

Lemond1985

Sure. Got the fork on today. Only thing to do now is see if it rusts. Turned out quite nice. I wet-sanded the bare steel to a shine, dried it off and sprayed the paint on immediately. My only regret is not using a finer grade of sandpaper and more polishing.

jefnvk

I also used the 2K stuff to re-clear coat a frame two years back. Great stuff, bike came out great. As with always, proper prep is every bit as important as the spray chosen.

Just know as a proper professional two-part paint it is a bit nasty to use, have proper PPE and do it in a well ventilated area. Not something you want to use in your hobby room!

ArmChairRider

Lookin'good!