Painting the Cage

#1

Since my car is off to the cage builder tomorrow morning, I thought I would
ask what I should be prepared to do once I pick the car up as far as priming
and painting the cage.

Should I tape everything off and hit it with good 'ol rustoleum or what?

thanks,
Steven

#2

Steven,

I finally painted my cage last weekend after it had been built for about 3 months. It had started to get some surface rust on it so I decided it was time to paint it.

I used Rustoleum charcoal black with the hammered effect. It turned out pretty good. I didn’t bother priming it because I was too lazy. I just used a sheet of cardboard as a back board so the overspray wouldn’t go everywhere. I would definitely spray it while everything is out of the car. I had to remove my seats and harnesses which took some extra time.

Good luck!

#3

What a coincidence. I just picked up a spray gun from Harbor Freight that’s on sale for $20. I’m having some friends come over this weekend to help me spray. I’ve got a bunch of disposable plastic tarps that we’re going to tape up around the car. I will be roughing up the cage with some emery cloth to remove the surface rust and then hit it with a few coats of Rustoleum. I don’t really see the need for primer since this stuff says it doesn’t require it.

#4

Painting cages is a PITA. BTDT.
One thing I’d suggest is cleaning the entire thing prior to painting with something to remove any oil or dirt. You can buy a gallon jug of paint prep at any auto paint supplier…I find it useful so it doesn’t go to waste. Or, a bit of lacquer thinner on a rag should do the trick also. Just be sure to let it dry fully before trying to paint enamel over it.
Good lighting is essential too or you’ll probably miss some spots. Paint it, let it dry, then have a second look. You’ll certainly find spots you missed.