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Learn the art of restoring tractors with this detailed guide. Discover the right paint types, equipment needed, and application techniques to achieve a professional finish. From matching original colors to top coat application, this guide covers it all!
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How to Paint Tractors A general guide to paint restoration tractors! Edgar Farm Mech Class
Matching Paint • Research, research, research • Stores will carry “International Harvester Red” and “Allis Chalmers Orange”, but that might now match your original paint. • Examples: • Minneapolis Moline used three different colors between 1938 and 1974. • John Deere changed from Classic Green to Agriculture Green in 1961. • Allis Chalmers used Persian Orange #1 from 1929 to 1960, then used Persian Orange #2, and today use AC Orange. • Early model McCormicks were grey before they changed to red!
Types of Paint • Acrylic Enamel Paint • Very popular today and available in most colors. • Relatively forgiving if you mess up with minimal surface prep. • Enamels: dries hard and usually glossy. Withstands outside exposure well. • Takes longer to dry so multiple light coats are needed. • Must use a hardener to speed up dry times and prevent wrinkling of paint. • Lacquer based paint • Dries fast, but dulls in the sun and doesn’t withstand fuel spills.
Types of Paint • Urethane Paint • Can replace acrylic enamel. • Has a nicer, glossier finish and dries fast. • Applied with base coat followed by a clear coat. Most cars are painted this method today.
Painting Equipment • Respirator • Gloves • Paint Suit • HVLP Paint Gun • Solvent Cleaners • Note: Urethane paints when applied are toxic. Must wear masks in well ventilated area.
Application • Air Supply • All water must be removed from air supply. Paint will bubble off metal when heated up in the sun. • Must have at least 40-50 PSI going to the paint gun and 28-35 PSI coming out of gun when painting. • Too high of PSI waists paint and can cause paint to run.
Application • Clean all metal of oil. (see metal prep powerpoint). • Not a bad idea to wipe chassis with lacquer thinner before painting.
Application • 1st coat: Etching Primer • “Bites” into metal and protects metal from rust. • Apply one thin coat. • Usually applies green in color.
Application • 2nd and 3rd coat: Filler Primer/Seal Primer • Builds paint layers for durability. • Fills in any pores and makes metal appear smooth. • A seal primer allows for chemical adhesion of your top coats.
Before you apply Top Coat • Apply marking coat of red primer to expose small dents in metal. • Sand sheet metal, not cast, with fine grit paper for smooth finish.
Top Coat • Apply in two to three thin coats. • Allow surface to “tack” before applying the next coat. • Too thin and the appearance will look dusty and not shiny. • Too thick and your paint will run!