Westy L5 - starting the paint job

[turquoisedude]

I am attempting to paint the Westy L5 myself - this is a decision I may regret later... lol
Overall the cabinet is good, but the top cover panel and lower front access panel were in really bad shape.
I took them down to the bare metal to remove all the rust and gunk, then primed with regular auto body primer.

 

[turquoisedude]

First coat of paint

This is how the top cover looked after using up a whole can of spray paint... EESH!

 

[turquoisedude]

Second coat

Looks better now! BUT, the surface feels rough. What am I doing wrong here??

 

[turquoisedude]

Cabinet stripped...

I took off all the mounting brackets and springs to prepare for the main cabinet to be painted.
So, before I make a huge mistake here, should I give up and try and find an auto body shop or can I safely attempt to paint this with spray paint?
If this washer is to get into the house with hubby's approval, it is going to have to be perfect!

 

[turquoisedude]

Snubber pads

When removing the lower supports for the snubbers, I noticed that the left side one is worn and the right side one is cracked. Can these be repaired somehow? If so, what should I use?

 

[northwesty]

I'd day it takes a lot of finesse to "rattle can" a big flat surface like that. Anyway I hope that is appliance paint and not just regular Krylon. I'd get some 800 or 1000 grit paper and sand between coats, and you'll go through quite a bit of sandpaper as it will load up real fast. With a little practice you can use two cans at once, one in each hand, and make sweeping motions across the surface keeping a wet edge the whole way. You have to aim them so they are basically putting out one spray pattern. If you mess up you have to start over after it is totally dry per can info.

I'd mask off a whole corner of the garage, or more. Dust (& overspray) is bad news and it really has to be kept perfectly clean. No spaying outdoors or some moth or something is likely to land right on it. & use a tack-cloth too.

If you don't use them you can take them back. I'd get 10 spray cans just in case. They are finicky and if one acts bad grab a new one. When they are about 3/4 gone grab a new one as it is ugly when they start to run out. Good luck it can be done.

 

[everythingold]

I powder coat. It is quite cheap. electrostatically applied for smoothness and baked at 400 degrees. matt

 

[laundromat]

You can be sure....

I had a set that was in dire need of a new paint job. I took off all the original paint with sandpaper and steel wool then went and put the primer on then I used an acrilic Rustolium glossy white paint over the primer. I also went and took off the dials and went to an art supply store to have the lettering matched up and re letterd both the timer and temperature dials.I think John LaFever has the pair now.I found the dryer on a trip with John L.to Massachusets.The dryer was in Connecticut.It was t DeLux Model that has the xylaphone that plays"How Dry I am"at the end of the cycle!I got the washer from an old house in Baltimore.It was rusty but still in use when I went to get it!!

 

[christfr]

wow
i remember doing all that ha ha.. but it will be wonderful when you done.. look good so far

 

[batterymaker]

I'd use grey primer next time--it'll hide better.

As for your finish, give it a good once-over with some rubbing compound and you'll be amazed at how good it turns out.

 

[whirlaway]

Painting

Make sure you really shake the cans good and between sprays.Sometimes the paint gums up at the nozzel.Not to hot of an environment.Ive had some turn out incredible and others had to restrip.Clean the surface good with a good thinner.Put bricks or something under surfaces on paper so it doesnt stick to the paper.Also sometimes when they make those cans there might be a piece of plastic under the spray head I always pull it off and look and have found little slivers that can get stuck in the nozzel. Thanks Bobby