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Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

Re-painting oil first, but how

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Having watched the excellent restoration videos by Stan Hardwick I was struck with what he said about oiling bare metal before repainting (video 3). Unfortunately he does not explain what type of oil is used and how it is applied. Surely all traces of oil need to be removed before repainting so how is this of help in rust prevention?

Was all this covered in part 4 of the video series?

cheers

 

Andy

Forums

Aled Mon, 17/06/2013

Without watching the video the oil is presumably applied to prevent corrosion prior to painting. That way he can spend a few days cleaning the old paintwork off before applying the new paint. The oil is no doubt removed before painting.

Stan told me he gets his mowers shot blasted, and seeing his restorations in person I can imagine he does. That way because the metal is fully exposed to the air it would be sensible indeed to oil the parts.

olcadmin Wed, 19/06/2013

Simple explanation: I recorded the episodes on VCR when they were originally transmitted but the one containing No 4 was missing when I came to transcribe it to YouTube. If anyone has a copy I would be happy to add it to the site.

wristpin Wed, 19/06/2013

Still seems strange to me as old cast iron and steel tends to be a bit porous and if the oil sinks in it will be a B***** to wash out with solvent to get a good paint surface. Can't argue if he told you that he has stuff blasted but if that is the case why the images of him attacking bits with sanding discs and wire brushes on a drill?

My nearest decent blaster is a 25 miles away so delivery and collection is 100 miles of time and fuel so I use a combination acid tank/electrolysis tank and hand graft to remove all traces of rust but having done that I immediately give everything a coat of Convertex which is a rust killing primer. According to the makers it can be used after just wire brushing off the loose rust but I prefer to get the stuff as clean as possible before using it. Once that is done the parts may be left with no risk of deterioration until it is convenient to apply conventional primer and top coat.

That aside, when I do use the blasters they apply a reallly tough and smooth  primer  which only needs a light rub down before final painting.

Andyp Sat, 22/06/2013

Many thanks for the replies and cooments. Is Stan Hardwick contactable. I'd love to hear his explanation of the oiling before painting technique

 

Rs

 

Andy