Stripping the Old Paint

You love your equipment. But the paint looks a little worse after years of hard work. You could take it to a professional to restore it, but that can get expensive.

Why not try restoring faded paint yourself? It's not as hard as you might think. In fact, with a few simple steps and some basic supplies, your equipment looks new in no time.

Check out our list of 10 ideas to restore equipment —and get ready to hit the field with pride!

Before painting your equipment, you need to strip off the old paint. You can use a chemical stripper, or you can use a heat gun to strip the paint.

If using a chemical stripper, read the instructions carefully and wear the appropriate safety gear. You'll need to mix the stripper according to the education and then apply it to the paint with a brush or roller.

Leave the stripper on for the recommended time, and then use a scraper to remove the paint. Be careful not to damage the underlying metal or plastic.

Sanding

Before you start painting, you need to sand the surface of the faded heavy equipment. This will remove dirt, dust, or grime on the surface and help the paint stick better. You can use a power sander for this or do it by hand. If you're doing a lot of sanding, invest in a power sander. It will save you a lot of time and energy.

Washing

You should be washing your spray painter after every project. That way, you'll remove any paint residue that's left over, and you'll also prevent it from clogging up the works. Not to mention, a clean spray painter is happy and less likely to malfunction down the road.

Use warm water and dish soap to clean it off. Rinse it with clean water, then dry it with a towel. Make sure you store it in a dry place when you're done!

Priming

Priming is a must if you're looking for a professional-grade paint job. This step ensures that your equipment's paint will have an even finish and resist chipping and wear and tear.

To prime your equipments or restore products, start sanding it with fine-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth. Once you've done that, wipe away any dust with a damp cloth. Once the surface is clean, apply a layer of primer with a brush or a roller, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly.

Painting

One way to instantly change the look of your equipment is to give it a new paint job. But before you get started, there are a few things you need to know.

First, you'll need to decide what type of paint you want to use. There are water- and oil-based paints, each of which has its benefits and drawbacks. Water-based paints are easier to clean up and have less odor, but they can be more difficult to work with. Oil-based paints have a stronger odor but are more durable and long-lasting.

Once you've chosen your paint, you'll need to decide. If you're repainting your equipment to match a specific color scheme, make sure you choose a color that will complement the other colors in the scheme. If you're unsure what color to choose, consider choosing a neutral color, like black or white.

Once you've decided on your paint and color, it's time to start. And then clean heavy equipment and remove any loose paint or rust. Once the surface is clean, apply a primer and let it dry completely before painting. Use smooth strokes and take your time for the best results when painting.

Adding a New Finish

One way to change the look of your equipment is to add a new finish. You could try a different color or even go for a metallic finish. There are a few ways to do this, and it's really up to you to decide what will work best for your equipment.

• You could use a brush-on paint, which gives you more control over the final look but takes a little longer.
• Use spray paint, which is quick and easy and gives you much control over the final look.
• You could use roll-on paint, which is quick and easy but gives you less control over the final look.

Whichever method you choose, prepare the surface by cleaning it and sanding it down. This will help the new paint adhere better and give you a smoother finish.

Updating Hardware

One way to instantly change the look of your equipment is by updating the hardware. This is an easy and inexpensive way to give new life to worn or outdated equipment. You can find new hardware at most hardware stores or order it online. Be sure to measure the existing holes, so you know what size to get. You'll also want to ensure the new hardware is the same style as the old so it blends in.

Touch Ups

Sometimes all you need is a little touch-up. You might have a few areas that are chipped or scratched. In this case, you'll want to invest in some touch-up paint. You can find this at most hardware stores. Just make sure to get the right kind of paint for the job.

You'll want to look for enamel-based paint if you have metal equipment. This paint is resistant to corrosion and works well on metal surfaces. For plastic equipment, you'll want to use polyurethane-based paint. This paint adheres well to plastic and dries to a hard finish.

Once you have your paint, apply it to the areas that need attention and let it dry. Touch-ups can easily restore your equipment's paint without repressing the entire piece.

Maintenance

You must take care of your equipment and maintain it regularly. This includes upkeep, like checking the oil levels, topping off fluids, and ensuring no leaks. You should also clean your equipment regularly to prevent buildup and rust.

Another thing you can do is wax your equipment. This will create a barrier against dirt and moisture. You can use a commercial wax designed for automotive paint or make your own with beeswax and olive oil.

Customization

You could also go the extra mile and customize your equipment with a new paint job. This is a great way to show off your personality and make your equipment more personal.

First, you'll need to ensure that the surface you're painting is clean and free of dirt or debris. You'll also want to ensure the surface is sanded so the paint will adhere properly.

Once you've prepped the surface, you can start painting! You can either use a brush or spray paint to apply the paint. Using a brush, use long strokes in one direction to avoid streaks.

Once the paint has dried, you can apply a clear coat to protect it from scratches and UV rays. And that's it! With a little bit of elbow grease, you can have a brand-new paint job that looks great and protects your equipment.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading! We hope you found these ideas helpful and that you can use them to restore your equipment's paint. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.