Paint for car suspension parts

[marlinspike]

What are we recommending for car suspension parts these days? Control arms and the like. Forum search suggests epoxy primer then 2k top coat is the preferred option but are there any 1k options worthwhile? The parts are derusted but not sand blast-like clean. I was planning on treating anything left with Hydrate 80.

Preferred finish is satin black.

There's a Buzzweld product that looks good and an etech chassis paint that looks a great finish in the photos but forum reviews here and elsewhere seem mixed.

 

[ajlelectronics]

What are we recommending for car suspension parts these days? Control arms and the like. Forum search suggests epoxy primer then 2k top coat is the preferred option but are there any 1k options worthwhile? The parts are derusted but not sand blast-like clean. I was planning on treating anything left with Hydrate 80.

Preferred finish is satin black.

There's a Buzzweld product that looks good and an etech chassis paint that looks a great finish in the photos but forum reviews here and elsewhere seem mixed.

I can't think of a 1k option that comes close. POR-15 used to be the go to , but it requires careful preparation and isn't that good anyway. Epoxy primer on its own, or feel free to put a 1k paint over the top. The epoxy does the protecting, anything else just makes it pretty and is not essential.

 

[NickW]

I just brush gloss 2k onto a clean, wirebrushed and degreased surface. Lasts for years, and you can choose whatever colours are available in that paint system, including slightly less glossy finishes. A small amount of activated paint goes a long way if you brush it on.

 

[steveo3002]

i go with 2k myself as its nice that its dry next day and ready to fit

i have in the past used epoxy then aldi metal paint , seems alright but its the drying time that hampers me

 

[Matchless]

I use black Trimite Kephos, a satin black etch primer that is OEM for suspension and other components, single pack but not a normal paint, very hard to clean brushes so I use cheap brushes and keep then a the paint tin! very hard to buy, some sort of dangerous, if you were local I have a stock of it, you have to buy 25 litres at a time, I like it for motorcycle parts as it is only microns thick when dry, I even use it on air cooled cylinders and heads............

 

[marlinspike]

That Kephos/Fosgard 109 looks really good on car parts. Found a forum with a guy who did some Beetle parts in it. Shame it's an industrial product.

I do have some Rustoleum but it's gloss black and it's more of an engine enamel type thing. Frost chassis black looks good but these things are so pricey I feel like I can't waste £14 on an aerosol that doesn't last or £30 on a litre.

 

[steveo3002]

unless its a museum piece does gloss level matter too much? soon gets dusty and water marks and wont stand out

 

[marlinspike]

I might give the Rustoleum a try on a small part and see how I feel about it. I much prefer a satin finish though tbh.

 

[steveo3002]

ive used rustoleum on a few bits , its done ok for 1k stuff

 

[bricol]

Also used kephos. Looks pretty reasonable on the uprights/hubs after about 8 yrs use. Used on blasted components so pretty rust free and well keyed.

Stood the brush in my usual jam jar of reclaimed thinners - seemed to clean it as well as other paints.

 

[NickW]

unless its a museum piece does gloss level matter too much? soon gets dusty and water marks and wont stand out

Shiny suspension parts stand out when looking at the car, and spoil the appearance. So I prefer everything in the wheel arches and underneath to have a slightly dull finish. That would include the bodywork. Similarly, I don't understand the need to add a trim to exhausts; it's still an ugly bit of pipe sticking out the back of the car.

 

[steveo3002]

Shiny suspension parts stand out when looking at the car, and spoil the appearance. So I prefer everything in the wheel arches and underneath to have a slightly dull finish. That would include the bodywork. Similarly, I don't understand the need to add a trim to exhausts; it's still an ugly bit of pipe sticking out the back of the car.

fair enough , im just happy to have it not hanging in rust , makes it better appearance than 99% of the cars on the road

 

[8ob]

The only paint I have seen that lasts on car parts is stove enamelling, seems to last forever.

Bob

 

[bricol]

Just need a decent oil leak in the right direction . . . I've got one perfect lower suspension arm . . . and one that looks rather more used . . .