Has your farming or industrial equipment begun to show its age and look worse for wear? Beyond becoming an eyesore, degrading paint jobs can leave your machinery vulnerable to the elements and lead to rust and deterioration over time if left untreated. Over time, tractors, trailers, lifts and other equipment will inevitably incur nicks, dents, scratches and chips that require maintenance and attention to keep things running as smoothly (and looking as good) as possible for the long haul.

At CAPS (Central Alberta Paint & Supplies), we understand the importance of keeping your equipment in top condition, no matter what industry you’re in. Below, we’ll take a look at some insider tips for keeping your industrial equipment paint looking its best. Read on to learn more.

Why Paint Maintenance Matters

When dealing with farm machinery and industrial equipment, it can be easy to let paint maintenance slide. After all, if your heavy-duty machinery looks a little worse for wear but performs well, what’s the harm? While this is an understandable thought process, it leaves the door open for more harm than many operators realize.

The fact is, machinery paint doesn’t just serve an aesthetic purpose; it’s there to help act as a protective barrier to rust and corrosion, both of which pose an increased threat to equipment exposed to rough conditions.

Regular maintenance of the paintwork helps prolong the life of your equipment, ensuring it operates efficiently and maintains its value.

Assessing Paint Damage

Due to the conditions industrial equipment is regularly exposed to, it’s inevitable that you’ll eventually find some damaged spots. Before you look at touching things up, it’s important to do a thorough assessment of how deep the damage actually is, as well as how many areas you’ll need to treat. Corrosion can be tricky to clearly identify, especially if it’s partially obscured by protective features or paint that haven’t fully degraded yet, and the closer and more detailed your inspection is, the better your odds are of finding vulnerabilities that need to be treated. Make a note of the severity of the damage to determine the scope of the touch-up work required, and prepare to address things accordingly.

Gathering the Right Supplies

Fixing damaged paint typically requires more effort than simply slapping a new coat overtop of faded areas. To achieve the best results, it’s important to gather the right supplies, including:

Matched shades

It’s important to match the original paint colour of your machinery where possible and, ideally, use the same (or very similar) formula to ensure proper performance. CAPS offers a wide selection of shades and solutions from top producers like Endura, John Deere, DuPont, and more.

Sandpaper

To get the best adherence and longevity, it’s crucial to sand and smooth down your surface, especially when dealing with industrial equipment. Use various grits (from coarse to fine) to prepare the surface.-

Primer

Never skip the primer! It helps ensure better adhesion and coverage for the best results possible. Follow manufacturer instructions before and while applying.

Brushes and Spray Equipment

Depending on the size of the area you’re touching up, you may need small brushes for detailed work or spray equipment for larger areas. Choosing accordingly for your purposes.

Cleaners and Degreasers

Your surface will need to be cleaned before applying anything. Be sure to use equipment-safe cleaners and degreasers to remove outer debris and oil that may prevent paint from curing properly.

Protective Gear

Safety comes first! Protect yourself with safety glasses, gloves, and masks to protect yourself during the process.

Preparing the Surface

Proper surface preparation is a must for any successful paint job, big or small. Start by cleaning the area thoroughly with a degreaser (as mentioned above) to remove dirt, oil, and grime. Once the surface is clean and dry (dry using soft clothes), use sandpaper to remove any rust and smooth out the edges of chipped paint, removing any shavings that result from sanding and creating a smooth surface.

Applying the Primer

Once again, never skip using primer. Whether you’re dealing with a standard auto paint job or repainting farm equipment, primer is crucial for a smooth, adhesive surface for the topcoat. Apply a thin layer of primer to the prepared area and allow it to dry completely in accordance to manufacturer’s directions. Do not rush the drying time, or you risk poor results.

Painting the Equipment

For small areas needing work, paint can usually be applied with a fine brush, but larger areas typically benefit from spray application which provides a more even and smooth finish. Apply the paint in thin, even layers, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Remember: thin layers are vital because they prevent the risk of runs and drips that can occur with thick layers. If you need multiple coats, try to overlap each previous dried layer about 50% for the most consistent finish.

Finishing Touches

Once the final coat of paint has dried, inspect the area for any imperfections. Sand any remaining rough spots iff needed, and apply a protective clear coat once you’re finished, allowing it to dry completely per manufacturer directions.

Regular Maintenance

To prevent costly repairs and extensive repainting in the future, regular maintenance is your friend. Wash all machinery regularly to remove debris and sitting chemicals that can erode protective finishes, and conduct regular inspections to catch wear and tear before it has the chance to spread. Keeping a small supply of touch-up paint on hand can make these quick fixes easy and convenient.

Find Farming and Industrial Paint (and more!) at CAPS

Since 1964, CAPS has been supplying high-quality products, including industrial paint to customers across Alberta. We have over 80,000 products available at any of our three stores across Alberta and a range of partner warehouses.