New Roofrack..how to finish it?

[ReconCmdr]

Ok, I have had my new Whitson Metalworks roofrack sitting in the warehouse at work for a week and its driving me nuts not knowing what to do to finish it. Choices choices choices...Do I powdercoat $300 Expensive, Linex $200 not as expensive heavy but durable, POR15 and paint cheaper but how durable, Duplicolor or another DIY bedliner still not cheap probably $100 and a ton of prep I hear. Josh sends them bare metal, Looks great...just needs finished!

Can anyone out there let me know what they have done and how it worked out for them.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

If you found a better rate I would say powder. I wish I could have them coated and build it into the price but the shops around here would have me pricing myself out of business, apparently the rates in your area are similar. I find myself reaching for rustoleum bedliner for everything on my truck. Por15 would be cool since its supposed to be very good for rust prevention. Not sure what kind of deals could be had with stuff like monstaliner but a $10 paint gun from harbor freight and a compressor would get you a killer coating. What ever you do just keep the metal as clean as possible.

 

[Kryptoroxx]

I second the por-15. From what I've seen its pretty tough. Sadly I haven't used it personally though. Plus its easier to fix if you do happen to chip it.

 

[UnderFire]

POR15 isn't reccomended for Direct sunlight, I would go with powder personally, but LineX would be my second option.

 

[BillIam]

i would just go for rustoleum Self-Etching Primer and their black truck bed stuff in cans, rough it up use some 120 grit sand paper or even have it sand blasted, Clean the bare metal with solvent based wax and grease remover and take your time with light even coats, i think you could do it yourself in a day and for under 50$

 

[Kanger328]

What type of equipment do you plan to throw up there? If you plan to beat it up with a bunch of stuff that will scuff up the paint, I'd say just go with rattle can bedliner. It's easy DIY and simple to touch up if you get chips. Although powder coat would be nice, IMHO it's pretty wild if it's gonna cost nearly half the price of the actual rack itself. Just my $.02.

 

[4yotaguy]

I would go with rattle can, but the hammer finish, think it would look cool on a roof rack. You can add a few coats of clear after too and it will hold up really well. Cheap, looks awesome, and its durable. A quick sand and the paint will really adhere well so combined with the clear, it will be resistant to chipping and fine for UV exposure...

 

[ReconCmdr]

If you found a better rate I would say powder. I wish I could have them coated and build it into the price but the shops around here would have me pricing myself out of business, apparently the rates in your area are similar. I find myself reaching for rustoleum bedliner for everything on my truck. Por15 would be cool since its supposed to be very good for rust prevention. Not sure what kind of deals could be had with stuff like monstaliner but a $10 paint gun from harbor freight and a compressor would get you a killer coating. What ever you do just keep the metal as clean as possible.

Josh, Now I know why you do not have them powder coated!! I had my front bumper and sliders powder coated from shrockworks and it was very acceptable pricing. I had no idea how expensive it is doing it one off. The rack looks amazing! I will send you some pics after I get it mounted and lights all set up.

Thanks again!

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

There are better rates to be had, just depends on the market I guess. Powder is nice but you can't repair it like you could paint. I'd say find someone to blast it for you (shortcut for the mesh...) and pick a flavor of rustoleum and ride.

 

[FlipStyle54]

$300 is alot. I got my Whitson rack powdercoated for $165

 

[Kryptoroxx]

POR15 isn't reccomended for Direct sunlight, I would go with powder personally, but LineX would be my second option.

I forgot about that. It is specifically mentioned though. I was going to use the stuff on my old 82 undercarriage

 

[1985taylor1925]

Whatever you do, stay away from Dupli color products. Ive used their color matching paint many times, their chrome, bumper and trim paint, primer, clear coat, and a few other Im sure. Its all garbage. Absolute junk. I paint airplanes professionally and Im telling you, you can do a perfect prep and paint job, and it wont matter. Their stuff goes on like crap, and simply doesnt last.

Maybe you could find someone locally with a hplv gun that will give you a good deal? There are several in my area when I check craigslist. You can never go wrong with a good urethane based primer/paint

 

[ReconCmdr]

There are better rates to be had, just depends on the market I guess. Powder is nice but you can't repair it like you could paint. I'd say find someone to blast it for you (shortcut for the mesh...) and pick a flavor of rustoleum and ride.

Josh I think thats what I am going to do! I have been on rustoleums site and it seems to be pretty straight forward. And if it gets beat up I can always just repaint.

 

[aleks77]

got mine powdercoated for $150, semi-gloss black, awesome!