Painting Cast Steel

[Richard]

The 'Speed Changer' that I have, blew a gear.... long story short, cheaper to buy new one (almost $4K) than replace the parts.
The speed changer hangs onto a bracket so it's mounted to the 540 PTO. Multiplies the output by a factor of 4x so I can power my hydraulically powered 15' mower.

Evidently, it's cast steel. My expectation, not having received it yet, is that it will be naked steel verses painted from Alamo. If this is correct, am I correct thinking the steel SHOULD be protected as it will rust over time.

If that is correct, then it brings me to my question..... what's the best (durability) paint I can use for it. Frankly, I don't care if it's painted purple or pink or other..... just want to try to make it last. Also, I'm presuming it would arrive (if unpainted) with oils from manufacturing, so what's best to prepare it for painting.

Brush? Spray? I can do either but what I do NOT want to do is taking it apart so I could do (what I would actually feel to be) a more intricate/detailed paint job. I'll cover the vent, cover the splines though I don't think they'll matter much over time as it would wear off.

Seven years ago, I took to a friend to fabricate the red bracket to mount unit. He painted the changer yellow so it's the yellow part in the picture that is being replaced. Today, much of that paint is gone and the underlying finish is there.

 

[5030]

Another opinion thread, sure it will rank at least one large bowl of popcorn...

My opinion is, what ever you have laying around, so long as it's oil based and you clean and prep the surface properly.

 

[Richard]

Therein lies the rub.... I have nothing laying around so get to start with a clean slate!

 

[5030]

The a rattle can of oil based paint in your color of preference and a wire brush to remove any loose scale and some paint thinner and an old clean rag to remove any oil and have fun. I would 'mask' off the input and output parts however.

 

[CliffordK]

That heavy of iron will never rust through in your lifetime, unless you're mowing in a salt bog. Your paint will be purely cosmetic.

Rust-Oleum has a line of "Farm and Implement" paint. It is pretty good stuff. I think they have color matches for major brands. John Deere Green, John Deere Yellow, Caterpillar Yellow, etc.

You can get it either in a spray can or brushable. Either will work. You can get a good heavy coat with brushing.

 

[WranglerX]

Been pretty happy with RUST-OLEUM rattle cans, of course a lot is in the preparation of surface as to how long paint job will last....

 

[5030]

One thing about Rustoleum is, their Kubota Orange paint is an exact match for Kubota Orange 2. The Magic paint isn't and the Rustoleum in my opinion provides better coverage as well.

If you don't have a Kubota it really don't matter other than it is quality paint.

 

[WranglerX]

One thing about Rustoleum is, their Kubota Orange paint is an exact match for Kubota Orange 2. The Magic paint isn't and the Rustoleum in my opinion provides better coverage as well.

If you don't have a Kubota it really don't matter other than it is quality paint.

RUST-OLEUM has a red that is so close to a match to my Massey Ferguson that its almost unreal....

 

[Williy]

You can get rustoleum in any color you want perhaps
maybe glow in the dark also???? With the spray
cans and a steady hand you can get a real nice paint
job. They sure have jumped in price since the last time
I purchased some.

Sherwin Williams can sell you any kind of paint you
might want and they can also match any color??

willy

 

[CliffordK]

Sherwin Williams can sell you any kind of paint you might want and they can also match any color??

willy

House paint stores one inevitably have the wrong stuff.

You're better off with an auto paint specialty store.

Nonetheless I'd use a rattle can for the above project.

 

[Williy]

Is Sherwin Williams Super paint good for metal?

SuperPaint Exterior Latex High Gloss, with improved resistance to early dirt pick up, provides outstanding performance on properly prepared aluminum and vinyl siding, wood, hardboard, masonry, cement, brick, block, stucco, and metal.

willy

 

[jyoutz]

Is Sherwin Williams Super paint good for metal?

SuperPaint Exterior Latex High Gloss, with improved resistance to early dirt pick up, provides outstanding performance on properly prepared aluminum and vinyl siding, wood, hardboard, masonry, cement, brick, block, stucco, and metal.

willy

For machinery and implements you need an oil based paint, not a latex. The latex paint would be perfectly fine painting metal on a house, like black iron pipe gas lines, ect… but those aren’t subject to abrasion while being used. Oil based enamel like Rustoleum is best for the OP’s use.

 

[DJ54]

I wouldn't be bit surprised if it comes with at least a light coat of industrial primer. I've seen a lot of gearboxes at work for heavy equipment, and on the farm come this way. And usually pretty clean on the outside as far as oil residue.

But if it does come bare metal and a slight bit of flash rust, a light coat of Ospho Ospho Rust Treatment - Since 1947 will solve that problem. I've been using it now for about 10 years on my old tractors on rusted fenders, rims, etc. Even used it on an old shed roof last summer that had a light rust on it, then top coated with an asphalt sealer. It kills rust, and also etches metal to prepare for painting. Just need to let it dry for 24 hrs before top coating.

What I've used it on so far has worked well. No rust bleed through like before with just cleaning and using a rust proof primer. I'd advise just getting a quart as it goes a very long way. It is as thin as water. Ace Hardware handles it locally here and honestly has the best price. Open the link above and select "Directions for use". Do note is is a phosphoric acid, so care needs to be taken when using it.

 

[kneedeep]

Just paint it whatever color turns you on!

I use black on my junk.

 

[Buckeyebutch]

Prep the area with Lacquer thinner, before painting.
I have been using this method for 55 yrs.

 

[Richard]

picked it up yesterday. opened box to look......its painted black. all is good! i can mount & mow

 

[mini14]

i use rustoleum on my truck body and trailer frame, I thin it with acetone and use hvlp sprayer, best paint for your money and stay away from latex paints

 

[CliffordK]

picked it up yesterday. opened box to look......its painted black. all is good! i can mount & mow

Aww, and I was thinking were were going to get purple & pink with sparkles.

 

[Richard]

Aww, and I was thinking were were going to get purple & pink with sparkles.

Thats my HAIR.........(bozo)