A general guide to paint restoration tractors! Edgar Farm Mech Class 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

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!