Repairing frame rust and epoxy coating

[jawn101]

Silly California. You know you can just add a hardener to the paint, right? You can add about 10 drops per quart of liquid hardener and it will do the job.

I do not know that! I know like nothing about paint other than interior house paint.

Should I be adding a hardener to this enamel? Or is it sufficient as formulated? All advice and tips are welcome.

[82DMC12]

I do not know that! I know like nothing about paint other than interior house paint.

Should I be adding a hardener to this enamel? Or is it sufficient as formulated? All advice and tips are welcome.

I visited one of the vendors last year who suggested adding the hardener to the Rustoleum Smoke Gray if I were to use that product. Then use a sprayer if you were to do the whole frame but I suppose if you work quick enough you can brush it on, too. I'd make much smaller quantities, a new batch for each coat using a similar ratio.

You should be able to get a hardener at any paint shop that sells to auto body paint guys / DIY auto paint supply.

[David T]

There are many additives you can add to paint but you have to be careful what you add and how much you add. Best to experiment on a test article first. There are additives to improve flow, drying time, adhesion, gloss, texture, etc. If you do use additives, only add to what you will actually be using, often many additives, once added, do not store well. For the best job, prep is all important. The metal must be clean. Next use a primer coat, then a base coat and finally a top coat. Each coat has specific properties that are maximized for that specific job. For example a primer coat will have excellent adhesion and moisture resistance.