To paint or not to paint…

With my new to me 8r running well I need to decide what to do with the case.

The metal is sound, it’s just very shabby, but has a certain… charm. I could leave it as is, but I don’t know how long it would last before rust starts to set in.







What do folks think / suggest?


-R

 

I have a 22b in similar stae and an 8r too.
Im going to give them a coat of clear and enjoy.
They are users and have been enjoyed over the years. I like that

 

@IRM
Find another one and paint one and use the other.

 

Thank you both. @BagheeraNZ has reminded me of the answer.

I too have a 22b that needs some hard solder work on its case. It will need painting afterwards and this 8r is a chance to try out the paint I’m thinking of using and see how it holds up to use.


-R

 

You might try a high temperature engine paint.

Ben

 

I have the same dilemma. My stove has a wicked dent in the side and is missing decals, good amount of paint missing.. Old coleman parts has the stickers and i could do it, but something about the patina and looking well used is more honest about its life to me. These things where only new once. Wont be afraid to actualy use it either!

 

the rust never sleeps and will eventually destroy the tin. you have to remove the rust and preserve what you can. sometimes you do have to repaint.

 

I’ve acquired a very, very rusty 111, far worse than the OP’s. I’m toying with electrolysis (or copious amounts of vinegar) to remove the rust and then clear high heat paint for that Mad Max post apocalypse look. Or, I’ve seen something called Owatrol which seems designed to go over rust so it does get any worse but is clear to show off that “I’ve lived a tough outdoor life” slightly rusty look.

 

@alcina

Pics please.. my rough one is getting that treatment.

 

My first 8r was a rusty wreck - you can see how that went here - Optimus 8R fettle


-R

 

@z1ulike - I plan to use the same motip enamel that @Tron used in his radius 46. The spec sheet rates it for 110C, but I want to see what that means in practice.

@alcina and @BagheeraNZ - I put the case in the electrolysis bath overnight:



And after 5 mins with a brass brush:



It’s gone back in the tank for another bit then I’ll go over it with a brush on a hand drill.


-R

 

@IRM Looking good!! I’m quite liking the look of that bare, slightly rusty metal as the end product.

 

Job done:







I applied two coats of hammer finish enamel, baking after each over the course of a week or so. I probably should have left things cure a little longer before reassembling as a few small bits of paint flaked off in the process of installing the pot rests.


-R

 

Looks grand, and well protected too.... no small advantage given what our summers are turning out like now!

 

fantastic its ready for the great outdoors

 

Great job! Casework looks like new!