Painting SU Dashpots

[Pjackb]

A few have asked about the paint process I used on my SU dashpots so figured it would be easier to explain in a separate post.

The paint used is Duplicolor Metalcast “Anodized” paint , this paint is made to give a somewhat anodized look. It can be used directly on chrome or polished metals which gives the best results but can also be used over bright metallic silver. It’s an enamel paint and fairly resistant when fully cured , it’s also rated to 500f so can be used on wheels and valve covers

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What it is is actually a teinted clearcoat and is available in 6 different colors, for my project I used what they call smoke, one warning if you do this , proper technique is very important the paint is very liquid and it’s extremely easy to get runs during the wet coats so proper care must be given while spraying .

This is is what I started with

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I then proceeded to sand and polish the domes, the paint required a bright surface to give its best results but not a perfect surface so I wet sanded 400-600-1000 followed by metal polish. I spent about 30-45 minutes on each. Since I was painting I did not go for a full mirror surface and there were still a lot of imperfections was I to do a perfect polish I would have needed to at 220 grit and spent at least a couple hours sanding on each domes .

This is after sanding as you can see still lots of imperfections

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After polish and ready for paint

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Since you cannot sand the surface to get a good base for the paint you need to use Duplicolor’s adhésion promoter , it’s a clear primer for plastic and bright surface that will enable the paint to stick. I used 2 light coats

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I followed by 2 light and 1 wet coat of the Metalcast and voila

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While I was at it I also painted my air filter assembly to match , on the AF I just sprayed it with some silver paint I had lying around and followed by 3 coats of Metalcast, it looks good but if I were to do it again on non polished metal I would use a more metallic silver to enhance the effects

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[dynaguy]

Just one question. Did you get into any trouble using the oven rack to paint these on? Pat

[Pjackb]

Just one question. Did you get into any trouble using the oven rack to paint these on? Pat

We have a few apartment buildings and for some reason there was like 20 of these grills in the basement of one so I’m safe

There were a couple of small ovens though that would have been perfect for curing but I was wise enough and stayed away from those