Prepping to paint the roof

[karrlot]

I know that there are a dozen different ideas for painting the bus. I am not going for a fantastic finish. I want a nice color that will last a long time.

The guys at the paint store recommended an oil based paint with enamel added. I bought a few 1/2 pints to "practice". I figured I would try it out on the inside of the battery box.

The first thing I am going to paint is the roof white. Is enamel oil based paint good for the roof?

What prep work do I need to do? Sand off all of the paint? Just sand it enough to rough it up? With what grit paper - 150 or 1500? Sand off rust around the rivets? Put some kind of a sealant along the seems of the panels (similar to caulking it)?

How do you prep the roof for painting?

 

[EastCoastCB]

Rustoleum is oil based enamel.
Should be fine for the roof. Pressure wash it, then hit it with scuff pads or sandpaper.

 

[karrlot]

What about sealing up the seams? Do I need to do that?

 

[Tango-SKO]

Always a good idea to hit the joints with a good grade/paintable seam sealer.

 

[slaughridge85]

Also make sure after your final wash you wipe it down with a good de-greaser that will flash off fast so you can have the cleanest surface possible for your paint to adhere to. It's not rocket science you just need a really clean surface and you'll be golden.

 

[karrlot]

Thanks everybody!

Always a good idea to hit the joints with a good grade/paintable seam sealer.

What is seam sealer and where would I get it?

Also make sure after your final wash you wipe it down with a good de-greaser that will flash off fast so you can have the cleanest surface possible for your paint to adhere to. It's not rocket science you just need a really clean surface and you'll be golden.

Can you give me an example of a good de-greaser? What does it mean to flash off?

 

[Dapplecreek]

• What is seam sealer and where would I get it? ________________ [need answer from someone else]
  
• Can you give me an example of a good de-greaser?_______________________ [need answer from someone else]
  
• What does it mean to flash off? I believe it means to evaporate. And that would suggest a solvent type degreaser such as Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) or acetone rather than a soapy type (such as the orange or purple stuff you find in the home cleaning products section). But I'll defer to the folks who know what they're talking about. [Wear gloves when you use degreasers, btw.]

 

[superdave-SKO]

any polyurethane caulk is good[ PL1 is a good product. acetone is a good cleaner. make sure you remove any loose caulk from around your hatches and seal well. good luck

 

[Tango-SKO]

The best seam sealers available for this job are the automotive OEM type and that is exactly what they are called..."Seam Sealers". They remain flexible forever, are tough as nails and are fully paintable. The only places I know to find them are online or at auto paint supply houses. Several different brands avail.

 

[slaughridge85]

Yeah, by flash off I meant evaporate very quickly. I would wipe down with MEK or Acetone after a good powerwash with soap and water.