|
Hi Jim, The chemistry of the paint is far more important than the manufacturer or brand. Most of the "tractor store" paints of any brand are old alkyd enamels as CNKS indicates. They are inexpensive and do a decent job of protecting the metal but are notorious for fading if exposed to much sunlight. Red can indeed turn to pink. It's not only tractor store paints either, but also hardware store and home center brands. You normally won't get into better quality chemistry (despite the claims on labels) until you get into the automotive or industrial/commercial lines of the major paint manufacturers, some of whom CNKS has noted. My suggestion would first be to search out which major manufacturer(s) have a dealers (also called jobbers) reasonably close to you. If your have a NAPA store near, most likely they would be be a source for Martin Senour (MS) automotive paints. Any of the major automotive paint manufacturers (including MS) will have websites where you can research the different chemistries and products available and obtain detailed usage instructions (technical data sheets) before any purchase. Those websites will also generally have a dealer locator function where you can search for one near you. I wouldn't count on anything being available on line. Most of the mixed paints will not be. You might also ask at any autobody shops near you what brand(s) they use and where they get them. They will generally get them from some local independent dealer that stocks at least one major brand of paints. My own personal opinion on paint quality vs chemistry is as follows for commonly available basic chemistries - in increasing order of quality and durability: 1. Alkyd enamel
2. Acrylic-modified alkyd enamel
3. Acrylic enamel
4. Acrylic enamel with hardener
5. Acrylic urethane
6. Polyurethane In general, the cost also increases from 1-6. There is some overlap however, especially when you get into similar chemistries in a manufacturer's "economy" line of paints as compared with their "premium" lines. Categories 4-6 will require additives that contain isocyanates. Those are hazardous compounds that require extra care and equipment in usage - especially in the area of respiratory protection. Lots of important considerations (and probably compromises) in selecting a paint for a project - quality/durability (chemistry), availability, cost, personal safety, application details and equipment available. I don't consider brand to be a significant one of them.  Rod
| 
