Prime & Paint

Priming

We use several different primers depending on the application. For most pieces we use an epoxy primer to seal the bare metal and then paint it as soon as the epoxy is "tack free". This provides an excellent bond between the metal, primer, and paint. For sheet metal or other parts that require an extremely smooth finish, we first use an etching primer followed by a high-build, sandable primer. Once this dries, we sand the part to take out any remaining minor imperfections. Sealer is then applied right before the part is painted.

Painting

We have a Martin Senour paint mixing bank at our shop. We have found or developed formulas to match the appropriate brand colors. Some customers prefer that we use implement paint from a dealership. This paint is less expensive but is also less durable than the automotive paint. All of the paint we apply has hardener added to it. This gives the paint a better shine and makes it more durable. We prefer to use the original colors for all of our restoration jobs and this research is always part of the restoration process. The paint always has a great shine to it, but we always remind our customers that it’s all the prep work that leads to that beautiful finish.

Paints and Primers We Use

We use many different primers and paints in our shop. The following is a partial list of products and codes that we use. Please feel free to contact us for more information about a specific product or project. We currently use all Martin-Senour (Napa) primers and paints, except where noted.

For Sheet metal, we use an etching primer, 15211 on bare metal, followed by a High-build (filler) primer, FP410. Just before the first coat of paint, we use a sealer. The sealer is either Gray, CS291, or White, CS292, depending on the color of paint to be sprayed. For example, we use white under yellow and other light colored paints. Gray is used under green, red, etc.

For castings, loose hardware, and just about everything else that we're not seeking a spectacular glossy look, we use an epoxy primer on bare metal. As with the sealer on sheet metal, we choose a primer that matches the tone of the paint to be applied on top. We use three different epoxy primers:

Gray CP400
White 5226
Black 5227

The following is a partial list of the paint codes that we have used on various tractors. These are our best guess as to what the original color would have been, although everyone is entitled to their own opinion. These paints are all single-stage (No clear coat). All paints are Martin-Senour (Napa) brand, except where noted.

Persian Orange #1: (PPG) DAR 60080
Persian Orange #2: (PPG) DAR 60396
Allis Chalmers Cream: (PPG) DAR 23056
Black: 8800
IH Red: 4115
IH Blue: 3736
Cub Cadet Yellow: 34748
Cub Cadet White: 3965
JD Green (Classic): 11146
John Deere Yellow: Purchased from JD Dealer. NAPA 8010 Hardener added.
Oliver Green (For 80, 60 Row Crop, etc.): 11689
Oliver Red: 3752
Oliver Yellow: 3753
Case Flambeau Red (DC, SC, etc.): 3727
Case Power Red (1570, etc.): 4764
Battleship Gray (Ford 9N, Samson, Gray, etc. NOT for an 8N): 3740
Ford Tractor Red (8N, Jubilee, etc.): 3733
Ford Gray (8N, Jubilee, etc.): 3732
Minneapolis Moline Prairie Gold: 3749
Minneapolis Moline Red: 540
Massey Harris Red (pre 1956): 3743
Massey Harris Straw Yellow: 4341
Co-op Orange (Matched from original samples): 10090
Argent Silver Metallic (Used on rims that need to be silver): 4869

This is just a partial list. We will add more over time. Thanks!!