Touch up paint for guards?
 

So...anyone know what the engine guards etc are made of? Are they susceptible to corrosion? If yes, I figure it would be worth touching up dings and scuffs but I don't know if there is a recommended paint for such purpose. The other bike in the house has steel guards and is also in need of some touch up work. Thanks in advance for the recommendations!

I'm sure the engine/luggage guards are manufactured from steel, and they definitely will be susceptible to corrosion, especially if scratched or dented. ;)

Any paint is better than no paint. ;) Rustoleum paint is a good choice. :)

http://www.rustoleum.com/en/product-...e-enamel-spray

However, others undoubtedly have a favorite spray paint for steel which might be even better. :)

I think I have some old black rustoleum in the garage...Will have to see what others chime in with.

If it's a small scrape, I'd brush touch it up with some paint....if you have spray paint, spray some onto an old lid or something to make a puddle, then dip a brush in it to touch up the scrape...

Rustoleum is good paint, and since you already have some, there's no need to buy anything else.

I agree with Huck. If the scrape is small, dab it with a brush. If the area needing paint is larger, and you want a smoother finish, remove the guard and spray paint it. :)

I've had good luck with dollar store foam brushes for such touch-ups.

If a magnet sticks to the metal, chances are that it is steel. There are two varieties of stainless steel that attract a magnet, but they're not common.

Trust me, they are steel, and they are heavy. ;) The engine guards are one inch in diameter.

I intend to strip, my guards, stands, and brackets, then prime and repaint with Rustoleum. It's a good product that looks decent and is available everywhere. Such parts on adventure bikes ALWAYS need paint.

If you want a flat finish that is tougher than most and super easy to touch up get some John Deere flat black. It isn't cheap, but it is a much better product than other matte or flat paints.

That's a great tip, and that's the kind of lesser known information I suspected a lot of people would contribute to this thread. :tup:

I had never heard of specific John Deere paint so I did a quick Google. Looks like JD paint is made by Valspar paints.


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Qwerty, thanks for that tip. Turns out my rust oleum is white :P so since I need to buy paint I might well go looking for the flat black. Also the scrape is small so will go with a brush touch up :). The husband's guards have rust and scrapes. I'm guessing this means we should take them off the bike, sand, prime and repaint where needed? The bike was preowned and came with the guards in place with scratches and all ;)

:clap: http://www.instructables.com/id/do-i...lf-foam-brush/
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DIY is saving time & $ from store shopping. For example: I fixed the diaphragm of http://www.thomasdudley.co.uk/bathro...lo-syphon.html by cutting washing detergent refill to similar shape as stock.

Good tips, especially the detergent bottle.

I like the dollar store foam brushes, because they come in a bag of varied sizes, and each size is handy to have around. I'd rather just buy them, since the cost is so low. I'll spend that time fixing something else.

If you're going to buy paint, you can look for a small can of Rustoleum flat black in liquid form. Much easier than spraying, because you don't have to worry about overspray.

If you choose foam brushes, pick the size that will fit inside the can.

If going to that level, why not send to a powder coater? Have sand blasted clean then very durable powder coat painted for less than $100. Should be done in a week or less.

Will take that under advisement - haven't looked too closely at the guards - there is definitely some abrasion and marks on them with light rust - if it's not too horrible, it seems the john deere paint might be the best option if I can find it as it seems to get good marks for durability and not so much fuss with surface prep.

John Deere? Ask for "Blitz Black." Available in spray cans, quarts, and gallons.

:) Sent an email to the local john deere dealer but haven't heard back - will call when I remember to get a chance during business hrs. Will also check Lowes - they sell valspar paint. Worst case I'll order in a quart online. :)

Here is an online vendor I found for the John Deere Blitz Black paint. ;)

http://www.greenpartstore.com/John-D...t-TY25631.html

:) wound up nabbing a small can of rust oleum flat black while at the hardware store...had to swing by for some replacement parts for my kitchen cabinet *sigh* I figure the rustoleum should be good for now...

:tup:

Have you tried the Rustoleum you bought yet? If so, how was the colour match?

Not yet. Was going to do it this weekend after getting some riding in but my weekend has been ruined by catching a summer plague. Haven't been good for much of anything as a result which is rather a shame because the weather this weekend has been glorious for riding. I'm hoping now to get out next weekend and then do the paint touch up and maybe the center stand and aux power installs if the parts arrive.

Will get before and after photos to post for paint comparison.

I'm here to report that Rustoleum Flat Black is not flat enough to be a great match...and yes, i stirred and stirred and stirred it up :)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/276/18...c0abdba7_z.jpg

Rustoleum flat heat paint might be a closer match.

:) I'll see if they sell it in a can (not a spray can) - for now, at least the scuffs are covered. while I was plenty aware of all the shades of white and cream, I was not expecting to find myself in a bind with regards to "black" ;)

Also this reminds me, I never did hear back from the local John Deere distributor about the Blitz Black...

Two inputs here from me.

1. For small touch ups, use the torn end of a paper match as a brush. Of course they're not a commonly available as they once were.

B. Although it's gloss instead of flat, I've been very happy with appliance epoxy paint available in many places including home repair stores. This stuff is tough! http://www.krylon.com/products/appliance-epoxy/
And if you want to be truly different, go with almond or bisque to stand out from the crowd.

Jay.

Thanks for posting the good tip on the Krylon Appliance Epoxy spray paint. :tup:

I have a friend who just used that paint on a BMX, and it looked as if it had been professionally sprayed.

Thanks for relating the real world experience with this spray paint, Weld. :)