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Q&As since 1989


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We use auto paint but our equipment rusts

We are a manufacturer of scissor and aerial lifts any many other kinds of lifting equipment we use the same kind of paints used for car painting but cars never rust while our equipment rust do you have a suggestion for painting method?

Basem Samir
lifting equipment manufacturer - Alexandria, Egypt
2005

Often, things that are made for industrial use are better and more durable than similar things that are sold to consumers to meet a price point. But auto paint is the exception to the rule; automobile paint jobs utilize the best paint systems possible and are usually of far higher quality than industrial paint systems.

Although you may spray the same topcoat onto your equipment that automakers apply, it is very unlikely that you are doing the same preparation and pretreatment. First, note that autos have no visable rolled seams, welds, or other corrosion prone areas. Second autos use pregalvanized (galvannealed) metal for the critical areas. Then they are phosphatized. Then they are electrocoated. All before the painting begins.

Simply buying auto paint will get you nowhere. What you need to do is work with a pretreatment supplier to make sure your equipment is properly phosphatized or otherwise pretreated before painting. It will never be as good as an automobile, but it can be good enough for your needs.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005