Black Wrinkle Finish Paint

[Anorak Bob]

I recently won a Starrett height gauge on US Ebay. What wasn't obvious in the seller's photo was that someone had ground off some markings on the cast iron base. The base is finished with a fine black wrinkle paint. I wouldn't mind trying to refurbish the base.

Has anyone used and would recommend a brand of aerosol paint that might achieve a similar fine finish?

Bob

[bollie7]

VHT seems to work good. Most Auto supply places would have it. The size of the "wrinkle" depends on how heavy you apply it. Several light coats will give a smaller wrinkle, while a couple of heavy coats will give a larger wrinkle.

bollie7

[Anorak Bob]

Thanks Bollie,

Some VHT finishes utilize engine heat to facilitate drying and hardening. Do you know if the wrinkle is one of them? As kid, I cooked one of my freshly VHT painted, Ossa cylinder heads in my Mum's oven. Took a while for the smell to dissipate.

Bob.

[Dave J]

A popular paint that is often used on cast iron products is Hammertone paint. It has silicon in it which gives a textured finish and would cover those marks for you.
We used to use it on truck chassis and would hide any flaws. We bought it by the 4ltr but I am sure it is available in a spray can as well.

Dave

PS
Just had a quick search and it is available in spray can
HammerTone Paint - In Stock at www.diytools.com.au (http://www.diytools.com.au/HammerTone-Paint_ce860638e-c4a0-498f-847b-1f76525d3c9c)

HammerTone Paint - In Stock at www.ozintersales.com.au (http://www.ozintersales.com.au/HammerTone-Paint_cc5b0fcb5-acda-4dfd-a477-8deabfcb4591)

[RayG]

Hi Bob,

You used to be able to buy a spray-on vinyl, it was in the days when vinyl roof cars were all the rage...(heaven help us if that fashion ever comes back!) haven't see it for years, but maybe someone still makes it.

For a more traditional "tool" finish what about japanning, there are plenty of recipes kicking
around for making your own japanning for restoring planes and so on.
Usually requires baking to harden properly, if I remember correctly.

Regards
Ray

[danielhobby]

its called wrinkle black i think,i have two cans in the shed and will look for it later tonight,will post when i get there.cheers.danny

[MacPuddock]

Hello All,

For heat curing paint on small items in the workshop I use a toaster-oven.
It will only handle small items but heats quickly.
Also handy for shrink fits.

They can sometimes be picked up in charity shops ~$20

Findlay

[bollie7]

Thanks Bollie,

Some VHT finishes utilize engine heat to facilitate drying and hardening. Do you know if the wrinkle is one of them? As kid, I cooked one of my freshly VHT painted, Ossa cylinder heads in my Mum's oven. Took a while for the smell to dissipate.

Bob.
If the ambient Temp is too low it doesn't wrinkle very well. I've never used heat (apart from leaving the part in the sun) but I can see how it would help. Not sure if I would like to use the family oven for the reason you have given re fumes. LOL

bollie7

[bollie7]

A popular paint that is often used on cast iron products is Hammertone paint. It has silicon in it which gives a textured finish and would cover those marks for you.
We used to use it on truck chassis and would hide any flaws. We bought it by the 4ltr but I am sure it is available in a spray can as well.

Dave

PS
Just had a quick search and it is available in spray can
HammerTone Paint - In Stock at www.diytools.com.au (http://www.diytools.com.au/HammerTone-Paint_ce860638e-c4a0-498f-847b-1f76525d3c9c)

HammerTone Paint - In Stock at www.ozintersales.com.au (http://www.ozintersales.com.au)

Hammer finish - Fitters friend- great stuff, love it. Galmet used to make a brushable version, not sure if they still do. It was very nice to use.
White Knight also make it but I've never had a lot of success with that brand. Mind you its been at least 6 years since I used White Knight brand.
Most industrial paint manufacturers make a spraying version, as in spray gun not spraycan.

bollie7

[graemet]

White Knight hammertone spraycan has been my friend for years on all my workshop made tools.

[RayG]

Hi Bob,

I think this is what you are looking for..

VHT Wrinkle Plus™ Coatings (http://www.vhtpaint.com/wrinkleplus.html)

Regards
Ray

[Anorak Bob]

Thank you Ray,

That is what I am after.

In regards to hammertone, I have used both Dulux and White Knight rattle cans to apply paint to one of my drills ( Dulux Quit Rust) and some old Wilco cast iron switch enclosures (White Knight). Both brands of paint have proven to be hard wearing. The switches were painted about 15 years ago and the drill, maybe 7 years ago.

My grinder could benefit from a lick of paint. It was originally hammertone green. I might get something mixed up to match and use a gun to spray it. Hammertone has a definite appeal .

Bob.

[Vernonv]

Just something to be careful/aware of - after spraying hammertone paint you need to make very sure that the gun is absolutely clean. Any silicone residue (from the hammertone paint) left behind can cause dramas if you spray "normal" paint with that gun.

[Anorak Bob]

Thank you for that word of caution Vernon.

Any hints on the successful use of matting agent when mixed with spraying enamel? I tried to use some a while back and the results were disastrous. It looked like I had thrown beach sand at the thing I was spraying. The bloke at the paint shop said that the results when using matting agent were unpredictable, as I found out.

Bob.

[JLD]

And dont start Grinding after painting !
STUDENTS RENEW THEIR WORKSHOP: Metalwork teachers cause fire in Vic school (http://student-renew-their-workshop.blogspot.com/2011/02/metalwork-teachers-cause-fire-in-vic.html)

[danielhobby]

VHT Wrinkle Plus™ Coatings (http://www.vhtpaint.com/wrinkleplus.html)

found it finally.works great.cheers danny

[Anorak Bob]

Thanks Danny.
Bob.