Owning a residential or commercial farm is a challenging but rewarding experience, and customizing your farm equipment is another way to add a unique touch to your farm’s presence. Whether you’re restoring older machinery or giving new equipment a personalized, branded touch, a fresh coat of paint can make your farm gear look brand new for years to come.
Painting farm equipment is more than just picking up a brush, though; it’s about using the right tools, paint, and techniques to ensure a durable, long-lasting finish. While many customers are from the automotive sector, Central Alberta Paint & Supplies has proudly served our thriving agricultural community as well with high-quality, farm-rated products. Keep reading more to learn more about our favourite products, top tips, and secrets for getting the best results.
Best Practices for Painting Large Farm Equipment and Structures
Painting farm equipment requires more than basic supplies—unless you have endless time and really long arms! You’ll need a few specialized tools and materials if you’re planning to work on large-scale projects like tractors, combines, or other heavy machinery. For starters, investing in a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) paint sprayer is essential for an even application and to save time and materials on big jobs. When using a sprayer, it’s critical to have a protective mask and goggles for safety, so make sure you add those to your shopping list, too.
When choosing your paint products, we suggest chatting with one of our staff here at CAPS to get the best recommendations for your specific needs. If you’re looking for a little knowledge before your visit, though, we’ll always suggest enamel-based paints for machinery designed for such applications- these paints are specifically formulated to withstand the elements, whether it’s the hot summer sun or icy Alberta winters. Brands like John Deere or Krylon have durable formulas that protect metal against rust and wear. Don’t forget to have a reliable rust protector on hand if your equipment has already started to show signs of corrosion.
How to Pick the Right Paint Formula for Various Different Farm Surfaces
Working farms have structures and equipment in a variety of materials, and each one needs the right type of paint for the best possible results. Metal surfaces are the most common, from large equipment down to fencing, and for those surfaces, you’ll want to use an oil-based enamel paint that adheres well to metal while still offering exceptional durability. These paints are ideal for tractors, trailers, and other metal-based machinery as they’re rust-resistant and can handle extreme conditions, continual wear and tear, and exposure to the elements.
Latex-based paint is a solid option for wooden structures like fenceposts, barns, or trailers. It’s easier to apply, dries quickly, and provides a solid level of protection. However, latex-based paint’s overall durability is lower than oil-based or enamel paints, so you’ll likely have to repaint these objects over time.
For any plastic or rubberized components, you’ll need to look for specialty plastic primers and paints that will bond correctly without peeling; while it might be tempting to use whatever paint’s on hand or “finish off” your gallon if your farm has livestock, the last thing you want to leave laying around is tasty little paint chips, so it’s recommended to use an appropriate formula.
If you’re painting a mix of materials, you’ll likely need different formulas for each surface, so always check the product labels before starting your project to ensure your paint will deliver the best results and coverage. The team at CAPS can help you pick the right formula for your farm equipment paint, no matter what you’re planning to spruce up, so you’ll get it right the first time!
Tips for the Best Application and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Just like any interior paint project, one of the biggest mistakes we see all the time at CAPS is people coming back for fixes because they skipped their prep—and we get it. It kind of feels like doing the same work twice, but we promise you’ll get the best results with a bit of work upfront!
Preparing the surface before you start painting is crucial for a smooth and lasting paint finish. Begin by cleaning the equipment thoroughly to get rid of any dirt, oil, and loose rust. Using a degreaser and rust remover will ensure that your new primer and paint can adhere properly.
Next, sand the surface lightly to create a texture that will help the primer and paint stick. This will also ensure that any more profound, more stubborn rust or damage spots are evened out. If you have any deeply compromised areas on your material, whether that’s rusted metal or wood rot, you’ll want to treat and fill these spots before moving ahead in your farm painting project.
After you’ve prepared your surface and repaired any damage, priming is your next important step. Using a high-quality primer formulated to prevent rust and corrosion will help protect your equipment from future damage. For the best longevity and protection, apply the primer evenly in thin coats and allow it to dry completely before moving on to the painting phase of your project.
Once you’re ready to paint, work in even strokes (or let that HVLP sprayer do the heavy lifting for you!) and apply multiple thin layers instead of one thick coat. This not only helps prevent drips and runs, which can ruin the final look of your farm equipment, but it also helps protect your equipment by making multilayered barriers rather than one coat that’s more likely to chip and crack. It’s also best practice to paint in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, where fumes can dissipate safely. Once your paint has dried and cured according to the manufacturer’s directions, finish with a clear coat sealant to protect your hard work from the elements.
If you avoid these common pitfalls, from skipping proper surface preparation to using the wrong type of paint for your surface, you’ll achieve a professional finish that will last for years to come!
For Farm Painting Jobs Big or Small, CAPS Can Help You Do It All!
Painting farm equipment may seem like a big job, and not just because you’re painting huge structures and heavy machinery- but with the right tools, products, and techniques, it’s a task that can be, dare we say… fun?!
From sandpaper and sprayers to rust protectors and durable paint, Central Alberta Paint & Supplies has everything you need to get your farm equipment painting job done right. As Alberta’s #1 resource for specialty paint products that support our booming agricultural sectors, CAPS is here to support your projects from start to finish. Visit our website to view products or chat with our team, and let us help you get everything you need to give your farm a facelift!