Prep after sandblasting

partridge2 · Jan 9, 2009

I am sandblasting several tractor parts that I won't have an opportunity to prime until spring. Anyone know of a product I could apply which would prevent flash rusting for a few months? Thanks.

GlenIdaho · Jan 9, 2009

Try Picklex 20. It works good as long as your keep your parts dry. I have also heard of a product called Must for Rust, but have not used it. Query the archives and you'll find some threads on the issue.

Piclex 20 might be obtained at your local auto paint store or they will have a similar product. Be sure to ask about preparation when you get ready to paint.

I purchased mine via the internet. It is a little more costly. Must for Rust I believe is carried by Home Depot. Hope this helps.

PhilC · Jan 9, 2009

I'll second the recommendation for Picklex 20, it's a very good product and will do exactly what you want. Best price I found online is from Len Stuart's Autobodystore.com. With shipping, his price was better than direct from the manufacturer. There are others, of course, but I have had the best results with Picklex 20.

Rod (NH) · Jan 9, 2009

I've had excellent luck with Picklex 20. It's not cheap but it does the job well. I think it's also the only phosphoric acid-based product that is specifically recommended for sandblasted surfaces - at least that I'm aware of. I've used it successfully on both bright sandblasted and wire-brushed rusty surfaces.

Picklex 20 <a href="http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/9021/picklex205ms.gif">Application Instructions</a>

Manufacturer's <a href="http://picklex20.com/1957611.html">FAQ</a>

If you should use the Picklex 20, when you get ready to prime and paint, be sure to observe the [b:654c4848f0][u:654c4848f0]Do not use Self Etching Primer[/u:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0] caution on the application instructions. I recommend epoxy. PPG's OMNI MP170 is a good, economical choice.

GordoSD · Jan 10, 2009

Stop and think for a moment. Why would you sandblast them now and then want to store them?
The BEST scenario is to wait until you are ready to prime and paint them. I can't see any reason to sandblast a part until you are ready to finish it. Why introduce more known variables and problems. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right.

Gordo

CNKS · Jan 10, 2009

Depends on the climate. In low humdity (read DRY) western Kansas, I can actually store bare metal for months inside with no or very minimal rust. Relatively few on this forum can do that. If I have doubts, I simply coat them with Picklex or Must for Rust. Sometimes I lightly sand the small amount of rust off and then prime and paint. In this part of the world, rust is simply not a problem, it is in other parts. Another reason is that for me it is always easier to prepare a bunch of parts, sandblasted or otherwise, and then paint the parts at the same time, because I am the world's worst at multi-tasking and can only do one thing at a time. I spend more time cleaning paint guns than I do painting, so I try to minimize it. Generally, I have a several parts, apply epoxy to them, and then topcoat usually about 30 minutes after the epoxy, sometimes the next day. That way I do less paint mixing and gun cleaning. In areas of high humidity, each person has to decide what works best for him. The only way to decide that is the persons own trial and error experience, using the suggestions on this site.

Rod (NH) · Jan 10, 2009

Ditto what CNKS said. In addition, in my area it's simply too cold to do any painting at all this time of year. Most DIYs, including myself, do not have the proper facilities for cold-weather painting. I have more spare time in the winter than I have in warmer months for low priority optional work. That means I can spend some time preparing parts for later painting when the weather warms up. It's a matter of convenient scheduling of my time and priorities. There is no adverse effect at all in doing it that way, nor is it wrong, as long as the sandblasted surfaces can be protected from rusting. And they can, given the proper products. What is "best" for one may not be the best choice for all.

PhilC · Jan 10, 2009

It's a matter of convenient scheduling of my time and priorities.

I call that "project management", and like most, take advantage of colder temps to prep parts and projects for warm weather action. Soon, cold temps will no longer be a factor in my project completion phase, regardless of outside air temp. 8)

GordoSD · Jan 11, 2009

OK. What kinds of parts are we talking here?

Gordo

Prep after sandblasting

partridge2

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GlenIdaho

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PhilC

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Rod (NH)

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GordoSD

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CNKS

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Rod (NH)

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PhilC

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GordoSD

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