Primer and paint for steel in engine compartment?

[Gene Neill]

My new engine will sit on 1/4" A36 steel (not stainless) bearer plates. Any recommendations for the best primer and paint to use on bare steel?

 

[Charles Erwin]

Epoxy primer. Then ZeroRust. Epoxy primer from SouthernPolyurethanes. Zero Rust probably amazon , local body shop supply firms, or try AutobodyStore.com. You can use ZeroRust all by itself too.

Charles

 

[Ted]

Check out por15. It's a very tough coating and perfect for your intended use and doesn't need to be top coated unless you want to because it won't see UV.

 

[Don Crowther]

+1 for por 15

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

As many old salty seadogs years ago said, any metal primer need to have zinc Chromate in the mix.

 

[Gunni]

Because it will be located in place that is both difficult to access (touch up), and rust prone if I were installing steel engine mounts I would have them dip galvanized and epoxy painted, install them and forget them for the life of the boat.

 

[Karyon]

I would take the plates to a powder coating shop? I don't think you never have to worry about rusting again.Might be more expensive to get this done, but it would be worth it.

 

[Gene Neill]

I would take the plates to a powder coating shop? I don't think you never have to worry about rusting again.Might be more expensive to get this done, but it would be worth it.

I thought about that! I do have a powder coating shop nearby. Figured it might be a bit spendy, though ...

One thing has occurred to me: no matter what I do with these bearer plates, I WILL scratch them up installing the engine on top of them, so there's no point getting obsessive about it.

I'm leaning toward the POR-15 recommendations. The stuff looks easy to use, and gets rave reviews.

 

[Charles Erwin]

I use ZeroRust on undersides of several auto restorations - especially fender interiors constantly exposed to grit and water. Also have use it on steel angle iron motor mount reinforcements in three boats. I don't use POR15 because it can crack and trap moisture against the metal. ZeroRust won't because it is not brittle.

As to dings and scratches ZeroRust is easy to repair whereas dings in POR 15 need more aggressive preparation - which is not good when access is poor.

Ultimately both are good - it is just that after many years using these materials - ZeroRust is a better choice. In either case follow the directions exactly whichever one you pick. If it matters I think ZeroRust is about $25/qt POR 15 is about $50.

Charles

 

[uncledom]

I like the POR 15. Do not get it on anything you don't want painted, it's PERMANENT!