Recommended paint for metal? (Vader ANH belt boxes)

[belloq]

I want to paint my steel vader ANH belt boxes. What is the best primer and paint for metal? I'm hoping to use matte black for both primer and paint. I assume Krylon and Rustoleum products (in the US) are most popular. Does one brand or product line result in a better adhesion or appearance? All recommendations are welcome. Thanks.

 

[Don Jarr]

Hi m8

I don’t know about in the US, but in the UK you can buy etch primer in cans now. This is by far the best way to prime metal.

So apply several coats of etch primer, apply each coat as soon as the previous one has gone tacky, and then let dry overnight. Then sand with 1000 grade wet n dry sandpaper, being careful on the edges, as not to go through the paint. Then apply two coats of matt black, one after the first has gone tacky, then let dry, then sand again with wet and dry, then apply one last coat.

If I was you I would then apply a single coat of stain lacquer. Matt black is fine, but matt paints tend to show marks or rubs if you rub against something, where satin won’t.

Hope that helps

Don