Land rover restoration always involves painting of some
sort and there are many paints to choose from, some are
definitely better than others. Best is to stick to a good brand name.
The crux of the matter is that you want the paint to beautify and
protect the surface. To do this you must get the paint to properly bond
with the surface.
Always pay extreme attention to surface preparation to get the surface
clean, dry and free of oils – even fingerprints.
Apply the correct type of undercoat / primer for the job and let it
cure properly before applying the next coats and the top coats.
Where possible, don’t
paint aluminium, brass, copper, stainless
steel, chrome or pewter as normal paint does not actually stick to these
surfaces. Rather clean them and leave them as they are.
If you really do want to paint them, or you have to, (Like the Land
Rover body panels) you need to obtain a special primer for this purpose.
Aluminium primer is usually a 2 pack primer which contains an acid base
– it is called self etching primer, and it works by eating away at the
raw surface creating a firm grip for the undercoat to adhere to.
If this is not done, the paint will start flaking off soon after
spraying it on.
- Even though it is a personal opinion, I only use Hammerite (www.hammerite.com)
- It is an extremely strong paint with a very good pigment and is easy
to apply.
- It can be applied directly to lightly rusted or clean steel without
an undercoat or primer.
- Once the second coat is applied it will start curing, it is fully
handle-able the next day but full strength is obtained after 3 weeks
or so.
- It sticks to all raw and painted steel surfaces and the rougher the
surface is, the better.
- It makes an excellent engine paint and is also heat resistant.
- Dirt, oil and grease cleans off VERY well and it is available in
smooth and hammered finishes.
- If properly applied, it is the last treatment that item will need
for a very long time.
- The only draw back is that it costs around R 100 per
litre, but it
covers a large area.
Red oxide is very popular, but I have found that it sometimes scratches
off even when dry.
