Using primer under mower deck: Which one?

[GreenWannabe]

When I first got my LX 176, my deck clogged up badly. I had to use the putty knife method, and it still didn't clean it all up. I had to pull the deck and clean it u every time I mowed. The next year, I found out about Fluid Film here on TBN, go my free sample can from them, and sprayed the underside of the deck. What a difference! Every time I mowed, I checked the deck, and no build up! That one application lasted me two years, and then I sprayed it again. I do it every couple of years, and no more problems.

Last fall my tractor and brush cutter were delivered, and one of the first things I did was to spray the underside with Fluid Film. I've cut some pretty tall grass, sometimes pretty wet, and have not had any problem with it building up under the deck.

I can't say enough good things about Fluid film, and keep trying it on all sorts of things I used to use other products for. The Fluid Film folks claim it prevents rusting as well. Note: I have no relationship with the Fluid Film folks, just a very satisfied user.

 

[sixdogs]

I've thought about and debated it in my mind for years and came away with the conclusion that paint is the wrong idea. It merely traps moisture and can make things worse. I simply scrape and clean my deck and then spray it with a really penetrating oil like Fluid Film or something like that. Grass may well stick--and it's going to do that anyway--but it's easy to clean the next year and new rust is stopped before it starts.

When I first started this process it was difficult to get all the grass off. I did the best I could, sprayed it with Fluid Film and called it good. The next Spring I had to take the deck off for new blades and discovered the remaining grass was much easier to scrape off because the oil had loosened things up.

Anyway, that's my story. Skip the paint and go with oil.

 

[4310]

Last fall was the first time that I could lift up the mower so I used a garden hose, scraped it, then used fluid film because I read about it on here. I suppose it worked but I don't have anything to compare it to.

I think what I need is a starting point. My plan is to clean it/blast it, use epoxy primer and then periodically continue with the fluid film. I may in fact be wasting my time with the paint but it just seems like the right thing to do. I also plan on spraying it out good with the garden hose every time after I mow. It's not that hard to do since I can lift the whole deck a foot or so off the ground with the pull of a lever.

I would love to sand blast it but have never tried it. Is there a cheap Harbor Freight gun? I've got a 20 gallon compressor and could always use a new tool.

 

[strum456]

Last fall was the first time that I could lift up the mower so I used a garden hose, scraped it, then used fluid film because I read about it on here. I suppose it worked but I don't have anything to compare it to.

I think what I need is a starting point. My plan is to clean it/blast it, use epoxy primer and then periodically continue with the fluid film. I may in fact be wasting my time with the paint but it just seems like the right thing to do. I also plan on spraying it out good with the garden hose every time after I mow. It's not that hard to do since I can lift the whole deck a foot or so off the ground with the pull of a lever.

I would love to sand blast it but have never tried it. Is there a cheap Harbor Freight gun? I've got a 20 gallon compressor and could always use a new tool.

The reason I use epoxy primer on my mower decks is so that I don't have to worry about corrosion. Once epoxy is protecting the metal, I don't see much reason to clean, hose, scrape, etc.. I clean mine once per year for inspection purposes more than anything. Unlike other paints, epoxy is extremely resistant to rust creeping underneath scratches or chips.

With all of that said, you will not be happy if you attempt to blast a mower deck using a 20 gallon compressor and some cheap contraption from HF. Take it to a professional, if there is one in your area. Otherwise, I doubt you will be able to get it clean enough, and you might as well just spray it with oil or something.

 

[4310]

I'll check around. There might be somebody kinda close that has the equipment.

What should I expect to pay for just the underside of a mower deck? And can I just shoot it with the primer immediately or do I have to clean it?

 

[rswyan]

4310,

Leaving aside the question of whether you can get it clean enough, you really don't wanna be blasting without the proper equipment ... which would include a fresh air supply.

 

[sixdogs]

Any tombstone memorial place does sandblasting and most do it for the public for a fee. A mower deck might be too awkward for them but maybe not. The price is pretty cheap and the only way to go. I did 4 heavy 22.5" truck rims on both sides for $100.

Doing it yourself with light duty Chinese stuff will not prove rewarding.

I'll say again the oil will do a better--and by the way cheaper--job than paint that will immediately let moisture underneath. And washing after every use will add more moisture to the equation.

 

[ray66v]

I have used most high end paint products on the market. I can tell you nothing I have seen, will hold up under a mower deck.

Yes, epoxy primers are generally the most durable undercoats.

Many epoxy primers are NOT actually made for direct to metal use. This seems to escape most people who use them, because they do still adhere fairly well, due to their epoxy resin bases.

Unless your primer specifically says it is made for direct to metal use, (that would not include small areas of bare metal "sand throughs"), the procedures guide for that product, will recommend you use an etch of some type, on the bare metal before priming. I prefer vinyl wash primer as an etch, however it's not practical for homeowners. You should at least use a liquid metal prep product for best results.

Since it's pretty much a waste of time, in my opinion, Rustoleum is still the most sensible option for under a mower deck.

 

[5030]

Don't matter, any rattlecan primer/paint. It will be gone in a couple mowings anyway, why throw good money out the discharge chute.....????

 

[Redneck in training]

Google Superhydrophobic coating. That might be the answer. They paint with it lamp posts in Singapore so nothing, such as posters, stick to it.