Paint THIS!

[FetchMeAPepsi]

Hey guys! I've got a question about painting nuts. :lolflag:

I just took off my radiator to fix some holes and while I had it out I thought I'd go ahead and paint the bolts and the alternator arm too. I put on primer, then black high temp paint, then three coats of clear. Then I put them under a socket and they scratched up like...well like bolts under a socket.

What do you guys do to keep them nice under torque?

[Vernski]

Hey guys! I've got a question about painting nuts. :lolflag:

I just took off my radiator to fix some holes and while I had it out I thought I'd go ahead and paint the bolts and the alternator arm too. I put on primer, then black high temp paint, then three coats of clear. Then I put them under a socket and they scratched up like...well like bolts under a socket.

What do you guys do to keep them nice under torque?

What kind of paint are you using? A good epoxy is scratch resistance but takes longer to dry than enamel or lacquer, you might have to wait overnight at least
are they rattle can or gun? The epoxy you can mix w/hardner if it's a gun. But you can find it in a spray can..Vernski:lolflag:

[donrm]

I just get enough color on it shoot 1 coat of clear. Less paint the better or sometimes try a
metric socket if you have several coats of paint. This works for me. Donrm 1966 GMC fleetside 351E V6

[FetchMeAPepsi]

I'm using Rustoleum High Temp paint. It's for hot environments like barbecue grills.

[Vernski]

I think Donrm is right three coats clear over black and primer would change the size of the nut or bolt and scratch it off, try less coats use black gloss..Vernski:goodluck:

[Andice]

Do a little touch-up after you tighten them down. Spray the black inside a chopped-down water bottle and use a small model brush.

[Rockdriller]

Hey guys! I've got a question about painting nuts. :lolflag:

I just took off my radiator to fix some holes and while I had it out I thought I'd go ahead and paint the bolts and the alternator arm too. I put on primer, then black high temp paint, then three coats of clear. Then I put them under a socket and they scratched up like...well like bolts under a socket.

What do you guys do to keep them nice under torque?

Well, all these answers are right.
However....I've found that if you line the inside of your socket with masking tape that sure makes it better....
BTW, sometimes you have to step up a size to account for the tape.
And as always on reassembly, just use a hand ratshit or maybe a speed-wrench...No air tools.

[Foley]

Fetch, for years and years restoring antique cars and antique tractors, I've done one coat etching primer (Sherwin Williams 988 gray), two light coats of color, no clear. Let set for couple days to dry all the way through, then no impact wrenches or sockets. Just a combination wrench. Take your time and then be prepared to use a small modelers brush with a cap full of paint to do touch up. I've never tried the masking tape idea, but will next time I'm doing detail stuff. The "Other" Bob C.