I have never been very good at refurbishing metal surfaces. Upon receiving this Optimus 111, which I got for a decent price ($80 including shipping and a repair kit), I decided I would try my best to fix the case. It was not looking too good. A couple of hours of electrolysis, and the paint came off easily. The rust was also gone. Cleaned it with acetone and sprayed it with two coats of a heat resistant paint. Dried in room temperature and cured in the oven for 45mins. Figured I would try a new color, since I couldn't find a good match for the original, and it's going to be a user anyway. Dull? Well, maybe, but I quite like how it came out! How do you take care of a stove after a paint job? Anything I need to be aware of with heat resistant paint in particular? I'll round off with a little flame shot: Håkon
Hi @HaakonJ what you need to complete such a nice job on your Op.111 is a “Nicks” beer can liner: 111 & 8R Case Tray (and beer) Best Regards, Kerophile.
@kerophile Thanks for the tip, that looks like a good way to preserve the paint from heat/scratches. I would be a bit concerned with moisture underneath that sheet of metal. When using the stove outdoors, and especially for winter tenting, it's not easy to keep the stove dry. Any thoughts/experience? Would this paint wear off any quicker than the original paint? The answer might be obvious to most, but I have very little experience with/knowledge about paint, so I'm genuinely curious. I would love to be able to just use the stove as is. If I have to repaint every 5-10 years, that's not a big deal. Maybe adding a layer of heat resistant clear laquer?
Hi @HaakonJ I reckon that the heat-resistant paint will be quite tough, certainly much more that the original thin coat, without primer, applied in the factory. I do not believe that a clear lacquer would offer much additional wear resistance. Use the stove as it is. Give it a wipe to get rid of spilt food and liquids before packing it away and touch-up any scratches or paint loss at the end of season. It is a tool and deserves to be both used and looked after. Best Regards, Kerophile.
I would only add that a period of curing the paint might help with the durability. I painted an Optimus 8 and let the paint cure a month.
Nice job, Håkon! I’ve been using the aluminium liner it my 111s for a few years now, and not had trouble with moisture. I always clean them after a trip. Cheers Tony
Thank you for your useful feedback! I think I might skip the liner for now, and just see how much wear I get after a year. @snwcmpr I will let it sit for a few weeks. Was not aware that the paint cured even more after the 24h mentioned on the spray can, so I'm glad you mentioned it! @Tony Press Good to hear! Do you remove the liner when cleaning the stove? Håkon
Hi @HaakonJ Once you have fitted a Liner to your Op.111. You might consider an additional finishing touch with a priming wick: Making up some spirit-cup wicks. You can use glass fibre rope of carbon felt fabric but really do make priming easier and more efficient. Best Regards, Kerophile.
Hi, @HaakonJ you mentioned the problem of dampness in the case of your Op.111: Optimus 111 Wiper cloth for 21st Century. Best Regards, Kerophile.
@kerophile Thank you for being so helpful! I have a pad of carbon felt on its way, and I'll make wicks for all my stoves that are without one, including the stove in this thread. Could you please enlighten me about this whole wiper cloth project of yours? Your secrecy in that thread has made me curious Is it maybe a chance for me to reciprocate on your kindness? Håkon
Just an update: I just received the awesome wiper cloths to go with my 111 Carbon felt wick in place as well. I swapped out the burner and put in a spare roarer I had. I know I am probably part of a minority, but I do prefer them to the silent burners. Paint is now well cured, and I am ready to put this guy to some serious use Cheers, Håkon
