Paint / coatings for signs

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Hey everyone I’m sure this has been talked about. I have been making smaller signs lately 20x20” and have just been painting with flat black spray paint . Trying to keep it cheap and cheerful . I know powder coating is the best route. I don’t have a powder coater set up nor do I want to add that extra cost onto my items yet.
I package and transport my signs sandwiched between new cardboard for protection and occasionally I get a scuff mark or cardboard texture transfer onto the paint.

Just wondering is anyone is using a certain paint that is more bullet proof or any other ideas. Thanks

2

I use ONLY Rust-Oleum 2X in a rattle can. It’s the best spray paint I’ve ever used. Rugged and levels well.

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3

I second @TomWS it is also the paint I use.

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4

Before powder coating I bought high temp ceramic paint looks nice. How long are you curing paint before packaging? The company I work for outsourced some of our panting it always came back wrapped in wax paper.

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I had to work quickly one night as I had a lot of orders. I may have not let the paint dry long enough. 3hours before packaging

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That could be part of it. What brand are you using? Most brand I have used it’s at least 24 hours.

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Another big consideration is surface preparation before paint.

I usually do a vinegar soak.

Wash.

Orbital sand.

Acetone wipe.

If I’m being a real stickler I’ll hit it with the torch and drive all the moisture out of it.

Then paint or powder

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8

About the only legitimate way to package a solvent based painted item in 3 hours is with UV curing. Otherwise 24-48 hours is pretty much mandatory for a cured surface.

You could also spray with a compressor HVLP a concoction of quality oil based paint with an enamel hardener, which dries faster and harder. Doesn’t cost much extra if you batch sprayed items.

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I am also using Rust-Oleum 2X in a rattle can. My guess is the paint hadn’t fully cured and that is why you are getting the texture. I have had paint do that to me even after the 24 hours. Remember the 24 hr cure time is temperature and humidity dependent. If you are looking for a harder coating you could hit it with a clear coat after your color coating. Also some coating companies publish their cured hardness rating, if they don’t they know it and will likely tell you if you ask.

I did a quick search and couldnt find the hardness rating for Rust-Oleum 2X but I bet @TinWhisperer has it on file or can get it within two or three clicks. :wink:

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