Best practices for degreasing with the intent to paint afterwards?

MikekiM

MikekiM

TJ Addict
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2018
Messages
2,588
Location
East of Montauk, NY
I am working on refurbishing a set of half doors.

The door latch assembly had been removed from the inside of the doors and the exterior door paddles were as well.

Cleaning and lubricating the door latch assembly is easy enough, but the door paddles need more care. Mechanically they are fine. One is a bit stiff and it's obvious there is years of gummed up lube on the paddle mechanism and spring. I want to clean them thoroughly before painting and lubing.

What is the best solvent to degrease the paddle mechanism? Likewise, what's the best cleaner for the black outside that won't interfere with painting afterwards? I suck at painting but do know it's all about the prep. Once cleaned I will prime them and paint with SEM Trim Black rattle can.
 
Rut Row said:
Acetone but be careful as it can remove paint
Click to expand...
Don't mind if it removes paint since I am painting the handles once they are clean.

I just cleaned them with a brass bristle brush and diluted Dawn, rinsed and blew them out with compressed air. I think they came out really good. I won't get to paint them for a few days so let's see what they look like then.
 
The correct answer is always wash with a detergent soap and rinse followed by a paint preparation solvent.
 
1. Remove the grease (alcohol, vinegar mixed with purified water, soap and water)
2. Etch the surface
3. Repeat step 1
4. Self-etch prime
5. Color
6. Clear
 
JMT said:
1. Remove the grease (alcohol, vinegar mixed with purified water, soap and water)
2. Etch the surface
3. Repeat step 1
4. Self-etch prime
5. Color
6. Clear
Click to expand...

I think I am good on step 1. Cleaned and dried three times. Letting them dry overnight

Etch the surface.. Like scotchbrite pad?

I have self etching primer ready

Clear coat? Over SEM satin trim black?
 
MikekiM said:
Clear coat? Over SEM satin trim black?
Click to expand...

After reading your first post, that was actually going to be my recommendation too.

On a recent painting project I read up on SEM adhesion promotors, here. For paint I go with SEM Landau Black, but that's only because I like the color more than Trim Black. For clear coat, I used to use SprayMax 2k, based on recommendations on this forum, but I didn't like how the 2-component mix required that you use the whole can within 24 or 48 hours. I now use SEM and so far I'm happy with it.
 
This is what I used in a commercial setting for a long time and still use. It’s fairly cheap and can be found pretty easy.

A4E357A7-937F-4656-B4E9-5E8CC0D93791.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: SkylinesSuck, SSTJ and MikekiM
SSTJ said:
After reading your first post, that was actually going to be my recommendation too.

On a recent painting project I read up on SEM adhesion promotors, here. For paint I go with SEM Landau Black, but that's only because I like the color more than Trim Black. For clear coat, I used to use SprayMax 2k, based on recommendations on this forum, but I didn't like how the 2-component mix required that you use the whole can within 24 or 48 hours. I now use SEM and so far I'm happy with it.
Click to expand...
I have so much SEM Trim Black. splattered around the Jeep, that I am going to stay consistent with that color.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SSTJ
alcohol works great for final cleanup, i don't see a need to etch the part if your going to use self etching primer. a pass with a tac rag before painting wouldn't hurt
 
Top Bottom
Back