Front Range 4x4 Upcoming Trail Runs - Add a New Trail Run

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 42

Thread: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Member
    #1878
    Last Online
    4 Hours Ago
    Location
    Longmont, CO
    Age
    40
    4x4
    2016 Rubicon, Belly Armor, MC 2.5 GC Lift
    Posts
    289
    User Name
    JGRubicon
    Real Name
    Jason
    Thanks Given
    206
    Thanked 101 Times in 61 Posts

    Default Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    Hey all, now that winter is easing up, probably preparing to really hit us finally....

    I've been thinking about this coming summer, following TJ places I shouldn't and finding some good backwoods fishing spots are top priorities.

    That said, I picked up a good skid plate system from a local shop. I got them in raw steel, because $300 will buy a lot of paint. I have every intention of needing to touch these up, .

    The owner said that I need to sand off the shipping coating with a DA, but beyond that we really didn't discuss finishes. I'd like to spend enough time on these plates that I can be reasonably sure that the back side will have a durable coating so I don't need to be as concerned about corrosion. The bottoms I expect to get FUBAR.

    What paint have you had good luck with in the past?

    Thanks everyone! Looking forward to seeing you all this year.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Member
    #1
    Last Online
    November 21st, 2023
    Location
    Port St. Lucie, FL
    Age
    73
    4x4
    4Runner
    Posts
    14,279
    User Name
    Chris
    Real Name
    Chris
    Thanks Given
    576
    Thanked 801 Times in 591 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    My skids have taken a beating and I just used cheap rattle cans. I pulled them last year and the insides were fine. Hit the bottoms again and that's good enough for me since they just get scraped up again. I usually paint them every Spring.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Member
    #853
    Last Online
    December 23rd, 2023
    Location
    Highlands
    4x4
    2006 Jeep LJ
    Posts
    7,483
    User Name
    Java
    Real Name
    Paul
    Thanks Given
    2,070
    Thanked 1,788 Times in 1,261 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/...081#post301081

    post #13 above, I used Rustoleum Hammered Black, one spray can and a quart can plus a 2" brush. A couple of super thick coats that are holding up well. Easy to touch up too, brush or spray.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Member
    #1085
    Last Online
    December 8th, 2020
    Location
    Highlands Ranch
    4x4
    '97 Ford Explorer XLT
    Posts
    1,242
    User Name
    ExplorerTom
    Real Name
    Tom
    Thanks Given
    16
    Thanked 172 Times in 144 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    I use black caliper paint on my front axle steering components. It's durable (won't stand up to getting drug over a rock- but stones kicked up should be fine) and the smooth finish doesn't trap dirt easily like bedliner spray (which seems popular as well).

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Member
    #1244
    Last Online
    December 6th, 2023
    Location
    Berthoud, CO
    Age
    67
    4x4
    '14 Grand Cherokee, '01 F350
    Posts
    393
    User Name
    Bob
    Real Name
    Bob
    Thanks Given
    385
    Thanked 129 Times in 87 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    I think powder coating by a shop would be best, but I don't know the going rates these days.

    You might try a good quality rattle can of zinc "cold galvanizing". I've had good results using it on things around the house exposed continuously for years outdoors. The metal needs to be clean and free of rust first. It needs to cure for a couple of days before handling. It can also be over painted with black or whatever color.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Member
    #1553
    Last Online
    January 2nd, 2019
    Location
    Longmont
    4x4
    TJ
    Posts
    265
    User Name
    GPP33
    Real Name
    Pete
    Thanks Given
    1
    Thanked 33 Times in 27 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    Powder coat is great for hot rods but sucks for trail rigs. I like the Rustolium hammered paints, they seem to hold up as well as any and go on thick. Easy to touch up.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Member
    #1085
    Last Online
    December 8th, 2020
    Location
    Highlands Ranch
    4x4
    '97 Ford Explorer XLT
    Posts
    1,242
    User Name
    ExplorerTom
    Real Name
    Tom
    Thanks Given
    16
    Thanked 172 Times in 144 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    Powder coating is a lot of money to spend on something you more or less intentionally drag over rocks. Stuff doesn't rust in CO because it's so dry. But if you get a crack in powder coating and trap moisture between it and the steel......

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Member
    #1
    Last Online
    November 21st, 2023
    Location
    Port St. Lucie, FL
    Age
    73
    4x4
    4Runner
    Posts
    14,279
    User Name
    Chris
    Real Name
    Chris
    Thanks Given
    576
    Thanked 801 Times in 591 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    ExplorerTom previously posted:
    "But if you get a crack in powder coating and trap moisture between it and the steel......"

    ... it will look like my bumper, powder coating & rattle can.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Member
    #405
    Last Online
    December 3rd, 2023
    Location
    Golden, CO
    4x4
    1990 Cherokee
    Posts
    4,760
    User Name
    Hypoid
    Real Name
    Mike
    Thanks Given
    82
    Thanked 499 Times in 428 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    I used Duplicolor Wheel Paint, I prepped with Jasco Metal Prep. The only spots where paint is not sticking, is where rocks have gouged the steel under the paint.
    ___________
    The Lost Boys motto: We don't know where we're going, but we'll be there for awhile. :)

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Member
    #1730
    Last Online
    November 3rd, 2023
    Location
    Denver
    Age
    58
    4x4
    84 CJ8
    Posts
    735
    User Name
    Spieg
    Real Name
    Brian
    Thanks Given
    179
    Thanked 165 Times in 144 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    If the metal has a tooth to it (and it should after sanding it), I'd use an epoxy primer (VK9300 is good stuff) on the bare metal and then a couple of good coats of Black Hammered Paint. Their "black" is not as black as it could be (looks like dark charcoal in the sun), but the texture makes it easy to respray over scratches without looking blotchy.
    ___________
    ~Not All Who Wander Are Lost~ (at least not all the time)

  11. #11
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Member
    #1878
    Last Online
    4 Hours Ago
    Location
    Longmont, CO
    Age
    40
    4x4
    2016 Rubicon, Belly Armor, MC 2.5 GC Lift
    Posts
    289
    User Name
    JGRubicon
    Real Name
    Jason
    Thanks Given
    206
    Thanked 101 Times in 61 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    I was leaing toward hammered, it also seems quite popular. I like the epoxy primer idea.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Member
    #1761
    Last Online
    4 Hours Ago
    Location
    Englewood Co.
    Age
    64
    4x4
    91 Jeep Cherokee
    Posts
    1,279
    User Name
    JandDGreens
    Real Name
    David
    Thanks Given
    257
    Thanked 422 Times in 269 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    POR-15 is what I would use as under coating. I used it on my camper frame and it is solid.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Member
    #1596
    Last Online
    16 Hours Ago
    Location
    Timnath
    4x4
    2012 Rock Ware Buggy & 2007 JKUR
    Posts
    1,570
    User Name
    newracer
    Real Name
    Michael
    Thanks Given
    174
    Thanked 690 Times in 428 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    Hammerite is much better than Rustoleum Hammered. I use that on bumpers and sliders.

    I had my corners bead-blasted and then powder coated by a place in Longmont, they have held up great. If you go with the semi-glass black that they shoot all the time it is pretty cheap.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Member
    #1249
    Last Online
    August 28th, 2022
    Location
    Broomfield, CO
    4x4
    97 Dodge CTD, 85 4R, 89 YJ, 04 Kawasaki Mule
    Posts
    2,956
    User Name
    Brucker
    Real Name
    Aaron Brucker
    Thanks Given
    326
    Thanked 442 Times in 342 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    Don't powder coat your sliders if you'd like to touch them up once in a while and actually look decent after doing so. Touching up powder is a pain and every little scratch leaves a place for moisture to get it and stay in, as other have mentioned. POR-15 and other products will be the same.

    That being said, If you are looking for a quality powder coating facility, we use Premium Powder Coating here in Longmont. Been using them for 10+ years.. They do quality work, not cheap work. And trust me their is a difference.

    here is their website: http://www.premiumpowdercoating.com/

    FYI- they moved into Longmont from Frederick about a year ago but never updated their website. If you need their real address it is: 1850 Lefthand Cir, Longmont, CO 80501

    Phone: (303) 776-7560

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Member
    #1919
    Last Online
    August 12th, 2021
    Location
    Denver
    4x4
    Fj40
    Posts
    92
    User Name
    White Stripe
    Real Name
    Michael
    Thanks Given
    4
    Thanked 12 Times in 9 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    I use POR15 aerosol chassis black. Nice satin finish and high quality paint. Holds up better than cheap aerosol paint. Easy to touch up.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Member
    #1841
    Last Online
    June 16th, 2021
    Location
    SW Denver
    4x4
    Poison Spyder buggy, 1999 4runner
    Posts
    813
    User Name
    TJS86TOY
    Real Name
    TJ
    Thanks Given
    169
    Thanked 212 Times in 136 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    If they fit in my oven I'll powder coat them for ya.

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Member
    #110
    Last Online
    April 6th, 2019
    Location
    Morrison, CO
    Age
    49
    4x4
    Toyota/Scout/Nissan
    Posts
    4,961
    User Name
    Patrolman
    Real Name
    Jeff
    Thanks Given
    182
    Thanked 346 Times in 298 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    Paul previously posted:
    "
    I used Rustoleum Hammered Black, one spray can and a quart can plus a 2" brush. A couple of super thick coats that are holding up well. Easy to touch up too, brush or spray."

    I have used the Rustoleum hammered paint in a spray can with good success as well. It seems to hold up better.

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Member
    #1118
    Last Online
    3 Hours Ago
    Location
    Aurora
    Age
    68
    4x4
    03 Ranger FX4
    Posts
    6,018
    User Name
    The StRanger
    Real Name
    Sam
    Thanks Given
    125
    Thanked 551 Times in 484 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    I'm suprised nobody has brought up Bedliner...
    Roll on or brush on.
    ___________
    In a never ending search for the proper mix of dirt & rock !

  19. #19
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Member
    #1878
    Last Online
    4 Hours Ago
    Location
    Longmont, CO
    Age
    40
    4x4
    2016 Rubicon, Belly Armor, MC 2.5 GC Lift
    Posts
    289
    User Name
    JGRubicon
    Real Name
    Jason
    Thanks Given
    206
    Thanked 101 Times in 61 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    The skids are in, it will probably take a few weeks before I get them prepped, painted, and am ready to install. Now I need to focus on welding in LCA bracket plates and getting some solid diff covers.
    Come to think of it, it makes a lot of sense to get those diff covers right now so I can paint them at the same time. It's going to be pretty amusing how well armored the bottom of this otherwise stock Rubicon is going to be.

    newracer previously posted:
    "Hammerite is much better than Rustoleum Hammered. I use that on bumpers and sliders."

    It looks like this is sold under the Kils brand at Ace Hardware. I've seen a few people mention it for restoring vintage machinery as a very durable finish. Is this the same stuff? What's your experience been like with it? Seems like I'll have to order a couple quarts.

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Member
    #1596
    Last Online
    16 Hours Ago
    Location
    Timnath
    4x4
    2012 Rock Ware Buggy & 2007 JKUR
    Posts
    1,570
    User Name
    newracer
    Real Name
    Michael
    Thanks Given
    174
    Thanked 690 Times in 428 Posts

    Default Re: Painting skid plates for long term corrosion resistance.



    That looks like some very nice parts.

    I do believe that Kilz does now own the brand. The only downside I have found is it takes several days to fully cure and harden. I have used both the brush on and spray cans. I recently sprayed the bumpers on my JKUR, it turned out great.




Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Treadwright Guard Dog Retread Long-term Review
    By BlackRubi in forum General 4x4 Tech Topics
    Replies: 149
    Last Post: July 6th, 2016, 08:03 AM
  2. WTB- Xterra Pro-4X OEM Skid Plates
    By Java in forum For Sale, Wanted, Trade, Free
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: October 7th, 2015, 05:48 PM
  3. My new skid plates:
    By Speedwagon in forum General Topics
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: April 27th, 2010, 07:19 PM
  4. Skid Plates
    By Chris in forum General 4x4 Tech Topics
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: April 30th, 2009, 11:17 AM
  5. Skid Plates
    By Brody in forum Tech Links
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: April 8th, 2008, 04:07 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
BACK TO TOP