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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => DIY Discussions ARCHIVE => Topic started by: msiegel on Mon, 25 May 2009, 12:54:16

Title: Paint for metal frame?
Post by: msiegel on Mon, 25 May 2009, 12:54:16

hi all :) what's an easy and inexpensive paint to protect a metal keyboard frame?

i'm making a 60-key usb version of an aek ii. here's a photo of the frame in progress. it's cut down almost small enough now...

i'm curious about paint because previously scratched/worn areas of the frame are starting to show rust.

Title: Paint for metal frame?
Post by: dougy on Tue, 26 May 2009, 06:38:12

I'm a long time user of Rustoleum products. Their durability is excellent, but the downside comes from extended drying time. I like to give things 2 weeks before use, preferably in full sun.

Title: Paint for metal frame?
Post by: ironcoder on Tue, 26 May 2009, 09:34:26

Hammerite is cool.

What I do with rustoleum is do super good job of surface prep and hit it with many dusting passes, maybe like 5. Each dusting pass dries much faster. Use a heat gun or hair dryer in between. The last pass can be a heavier one for a glossy coat, heat again or bake in a utility oven. Then a coat of clear and you're done.

Title: Paint for metal frame?
Post by: ironcoder on Tue, 26 May 2009, 09:40:12

There are all kinds of ovens for drying parts and heat treating stuff but my "utility oven" is whenever your wife says "it's time for a new oven." See what happens then is your old, expensive oven that she couldn't live without goes into the garage and becomes the "utility oven" that is for baking parts and doing other stuff that she would kill you if you did it inside the house in "her" oven.

(ref: see utility washer/dryer (greasy work clothes), utility freezer (deer meat)) You get the idea!

Title: Paint for metal frame?
Post by: ironcoder on Tue, 26 May 2009, 09:52:50

If you buy her enough new stuff you will eventually find yourself with a totally excellent workshop LOL

Title: Paint for metal frame?
Post by: lowpoly on Tue, 26 May 2009, 09:54:53

Car paint.

Title: Paint for metal frame?
Post by: ironcoder on Tue, 26 May 2009, 10:25:00

I think Imron is going to be a little overkill for a keyboard frame and I doubt he has the gun to shoot it with...

Title: Paint for metal frame?
Post by: ironcoder on Tue, 26 May 2009, 13:58:47

And a respirator. And an OSHA license. And a few hundred bucks for a gallon. And a spray booth.

Title: Paint for metal frame?
Post by: huha on Tue, 26 May 2009, 17:54:54

Almost any paint will suffice. You don't even need to paint it; it's not exposed to the elements, so even if a little rust builds up on the surface, the metal plate will not rust and become damaged. You don't need anything fancy, the cheapest stuff you'll find will most likely work fine.

-huha

Title: Paint for metal frame?
Post by: msiegel on Tue, 26 May 2009, 22:52:51

whew, thanks huha!
so this is what happens when i'm busy during the day :D
you're right, i'm not building a space shuttle here...

Title: Paint for metal frame?
Post by: ironcoder on Wed, 27 May 2009, 08:39:31

A lot of nerve you have, getting us all thinking this was for a kb for the space shuttle. I'm outta here!

And I'm taking my rustoleum with me! LOL