'80 Liquifire: Best Spray Paint (in cans) for Restoration?

[jimmy245]

I am restoring an '80 Liquifire. I will have a paint shop paint the body and hood, however, I am painting the rest of the components including the suspension with spray paint.

I have been using cans of Rustoleum Pro Enamel for the most part. On the aluminum, I use Napa Zincron Primer before top coating it with Rustoleum - is that oK?

What about acrylic enamel, is there any reason to use it? Napa handles Duplicolor brand so I was wondering about it.

I would like to know what others have used in spray cans and what the consensus is on durability and finish.

Should I be using a higher quality spray paint?

What about clear coat?

What about color match with original colors?

Should I bake painted parts after painting?

Regarding the body and hood, and having a professional a do it, recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jimmy

[ljm]

I have had good results with John Deere Blitz black. It is the correct original color for the suspension etc.

Easy to apply and holds up well

Available at any John Deere dealer
Lloyd

[JDT]

Prep is most important no matter what or how you choose to paint it.

Rustoleum makes a good product. Satin Black is my choice.

For plastic parts I like Krylon Fusion Satin Black.

But the key is the prep work.
I recall spending 10 hours on a hood once and only 25 minutes to prime and paint it.

[jimmy245]

Thanks Lloyd and JDT.

Lloyd, I will check out the Blitz Black.

JDT, I agree that the prep work is key. I have stripped paint off all parts to bare metal with paint stripper or had them sand blasted. Before painting, I wipe parts with acetone.

JDT, one question about Rustoleum. I have used the Rustoleum "Professional" gloss black (silver can from hardware store). As far as I know, it only comes in gloss or flat black, with no in-between semi-gloss or satin choices. The harware store also has Rustoleum in the white cans which is cheaper but I believe does come in satin. [I have had problems with the white cans clogging and also notice that the drying time is very long compared to the pro series.] Do you use the white cans from hardware store or do you use a different Rustoleum product that you have to order online (their website has numerous other choices/types of enamel).

Thanks, Jim

[427cobra]

Ive always used the Rustoleum Semi-Gloss with good luck. I use the "rusty metal" primer then top coat.

I usually have to touch it up every year. But its not too bad.

Ive also tried the Rustoleum epoxy spray paint. That should be a harder more durable paint.

All of the paint Ive used can be bought at the local walmart!

Someday Ill get smart and powder coat everything...ha. Maybe next year!

[JDT]

I have never tried the big silver cans, just the white ones.