Tractor Supply, tractor and Implement Enamel

C

C10chas

My father is painting his John Deere with Tractor paint from Tractor Supply, I believe it is 1k enamel, can we add a hardener for improved gloss, durability and uv protection?
What are you guys doing in this case? My dad is not going all out with this job, but it needs paint bad lol, would it help?
 
Yes you can at an 8:1 ratio with an enamel activator, they should have a pint at tractor supply and a pint will do a gallon.

If they don't have any, brand will work from a local paint store as long as it is for enamel, acrylic is different activator even though still 8:1.
 
C10,

I have used more of that stuff than I would like to admit. If anyone has any suggestions for a SS that would be affordable for this type of work, I would be all ears. I would really like to get away from using the Tractor Supply Valspar paint if I can afford it.

To answer your question, I have not noticed a difference in gloss with or without the activator. However, that stuff needs all the help it can get with curing (it is really slow, even with hardener). Tractor Supply does sell the hardener, and naptha (you will need this to thin it.) I have found that the correct amount of reduction is very important. I will have to check my notes, but I think it works best for me with about 25% thinner. Also, don't plan on coverage with your first coat. Another tip: don't use their crappy primer for anything. Use SPI epoxy and have piece of mind that you have a good foundation that will keep your machine from rusting (and it can be sanded).
 
Cool, thanks Strum. I will await your notes, I appreciate it!
Definitely using epoxy!
 
C10,

Mix your paint 8:1 with activator

Then mix the paint/activator 5:1 with naptha

I'm sure there will be room for improvement with your setup, but this should get you pretty close.

Remember, don't attempt to get full coverage on your first coat. It is best to let it sit for 30 min - 1 hour between coats (depending on temp).

This paint, even with hardener will be very soft and will offer almost no scratch/abrasion resistance for at least a month.
 
Most of my equipment is inside, except for when it is in use. It will hold up for years and years that way. If outside all the time, you will probably notice a difference in 5 years, maybe less, depending where you live. Lets face it, this is cheap paint. I use it on equipment that is likely to see abuse (paint wise) , or is just not that valuable. What kind of a Deere are we talking about?
 
A 2020 from around 1960 or so, but its a good tractor for its age
 
I shot some JD brand green paint yesterday along with the JD brand reducer........ it didnt spray too bad but the back of the can said a max of I think 10:1 ( paint - reducer ) is this true?????? doesnt seem like much........ thanks!
 
A 2020 is a nice tractor. If you are taking the time to do everything right, it would be worth some better paint, imo.
 
Single stage urethane.

Maybe someone on here can give a recommendation on something that is decent quality for the money.

Has anyone tried Pro Spray SS? Is it acrylic or urethane?
 
Last year I sprayed a little ford with valspar and hardener for a family deal. I sprayed Euro clear over it. It looked great but tended to chip easilly during assembly. Year before I sprayed my JD 2010 with epoxy and dupont centari. The centari enamel was expensive and I believe I had over 500 into the two gallons of green it took to do the tractor. Seems to be more durable though. To do it over I think I would use Imron instead as it seems to be the most durable paint I've every sprayed. Probably the most expensive also as my guess would be 800 for two gallons.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top