what paint will hold up best

[AGRIMAN]

In case you are not familiar with this, to remove powder coat: Rough up the surface with coarse sand paper, and apply paint stripper. It will wrinkle right up.

Yes, the bond between the powder coating, and the metal is weak. Some have not come to that realization yet.

I have to disagree with you. I have owned and operated a custom/job shop powder coating business for over 10 years and come to the realization that the bond between the metal and powder is very strong when done correctly. If you can remove power with simple paint stripper easily, then here's your problem. The powder was not cured correctly, either it didn't reach the correct temperature or was not baked for the correct amount of time.

Aircraft stripper will remove cured powder, but it's not an easy process. The best stripper that I have ever used for removing cured power easily is a product called B-17 (Methylene Chloride) which is some seriously nasty stuff. It will take your hide off in less than 10 sec. and I speak from personal experience.

 

[ultrarunner]

Back in the 80's I restored and painted cars as a hobby... 30 years later the paint still looks great and people comment favorably...

This was shade tree stuff done outside in the driveway when conditions were just right.

The paint I used for 95% of my work is Dupont Centari Acrylic Enamel with Hardener... the other 5% was old fashion NitroCellulose Lacquer... I don't own one of the "New" guns... all old school Binks equipment...

Now, the guys that restore have to go out of State to buy product... guess I was lucky to do it when I did.

When I was buying paint for my second total restoration the DuPont rep happened to be at the paint store... real nice guy that was interested in my project... actually came to the house and gave me some free product and tips.

Can't imagine that happening anymore either...

I had friends that only used Imoron Black for the their Blue Ribbon show cars... I never did because I couldn't afford the equipment they had... real outside air respirators and such...

 

[mikehaugen]

A step up from that is, Sherwin Williams Ultra one, single stage urethane. It dries fast, and is not real cheap. But, it's not crazy expensive. The same product is available at NAPA paint stores, under the Martin Senior brand, as Tec One. This stuff only costs a couple bucks more than acrylic enamel. And, is a much better product. This is what I actually wanted to use on those airplane parts I mentioned.

Last time I inquired at napa (a couple years ago) they sold a product called crossfire. Checked it out on google and not too many people were thrilled with it.

I was recommended carbitz epoxy primer from a friend that used to paint dump trucks and garbage trucks and such. It's a Chicago company and not sure if it's available nationwide, seems like a small company. Anyone else have experience with it?