Repainting Old Reloading Gear

Boolit Buddy Join DateJul 2011Locationthe great plainsPosts63

Here's a chance for you to show a young buck what you know:

I have an old Lyman 450 that I'm in the process of refurbishing. After cleaning it up a bit I've come to realize that it is in need of repainting. I suppose I could use it as-is and it would function just fine. But I'd rather put in a bit of effort to have it not only running, but LOOKING tip-top before I go and goo it all up again.

That being said, I grew up in a very hands-off environment and find myself in middle age missing much of the garage and workshop skill set needed for such an undertaking. I suppose I could stumble through, but would prefer a nice step-by-step as to how someone should go about refinishing a piece of old reloading gear- from removing the old paint to the finished product. Not that I'm a complete doofus, my hands work fine. I'd just prefer to NOT bugger this thing up if possible (plus I've got a press and powder measure that could use some freshening as well)

Please note, this needs to be a low-tech-hands-on project as there's no sandblaster or spray booth in my tool box.

thanks in advance-
Rod

Photograph it from every angle and enough so, that assembly will go easy. Then disassemble it and strip the paint.. The orange casting will need to be cleaned of all lube and this won't be easy without heat. Id personally use a torch to clean it and a wire brush. Keep in mind that the linkage is a bluing of sorts so paint might be a little too thick on this. The casting is easy. Strip it, clean it, scrub it, burn it and paint it.

If it is one of the Orange sizers, I would only paint the parts that is still Orange. Like FLHTC said some parts might not work too well if painted.
JMO, Good Luck!

Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. - Winstom Churchill

Lots of paints out there, However, some which go on just fine tend to chip.

So, with any of my metal fabrication that is going to be seen and needs to look good AND LAST, I have just started having it powder coated.

Worth the time and money and it only needs to be done once.

Crusty Deary Ol'Coot

Stipping and cleaning by grit blasting - AFTER PROTECTING ALL MACHINED
SURFACES with tape - like duct tape - will ensure good adhesion. I agree that
finding a powder coater and having it done will produce a really durable coating.

Bill

If it was easy, anybody could do it.

1. Use a chemical paint stripper to remove the paint
2. Clean thoroughly
3. Prime with an aluminum primer
4. Paint using whatever color of Rustoleum you choose.

Member: Orange Gunsite Family, NRA-Life, Varmint Hunter's Assn, ARTCA, American Legion, & South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Assn.

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My brother does alot of mechanics and engine work (not really my thing but i help out) and one thing i have picked up from that is the high temp engine enamel spray paint, that stuff is really high quality stuff and lasts a long time! I believe his favorite is the Rustolem kind, you should have no trouble finding the bright orange you are looking for at your local Napa auto parts store. It lays on pretty thick and seems to be very tough, it certainly does hold up to high heat (not that that is an issue here) and maintain its gloss and not get dull and faided from oil and grime after you wash it off. Just an idea! And as others have said, be careful on the tolerences with the moving bits, it would supprise you how well a layer of paint or powder coat can change things! and be certain to make sure you degrease the entire unit and put it somewhere clean and dust free before and during drying. Good luck, pictures, we do love those pictures once you're all done!

Raisin' Black Angus cows, outta gas, outta money, outta tags, low on boolits, but full 'a hope on the Rocky Mountain Eastern Slope!
Alba an Aigh. Blessed are we few Armenians!
"If you ain't shootin', you should be reloadin' if you ain't reloadin' you should be movin', if you ain't movin', somebody's gonna come by and cut your head off and put it on a stick!" Words to fight by, from Clint Smith

Boolit Man Join DateMar 2012LocationSoutheast MissouriPosts82

I have repaired/rebuilt nearly all of my equipment. I chemically strip. Use sand paper and wire brush where necessary. Paint with the best rustoleum you can fine. You will be pleased with the results. Last real good.

Floyd

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Abbreviations used in Reloading
Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt"

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