Epoxy Paints on tanks

[beel82]

Has anyone tried using an Epoxy paint for refinishing tanks? I've seen quite a few mixed ideas on paints and galvanizing methods. I was hoping to cold galv an old steel 72 I had since it appears non existent on the tank now, then apply an epoxy paint that requires a hardener and follow up with some type of clear coat, maybe this is overkill, but I want to try to do this the least amount of times possible.

[captain]

This is the final word on paint. Use ZRC Galvitite, buy it in a quart can and use a small foam roller to apply 3 coats, nothing is better than this. Other than for appearance top coating with any other type paint is a waste of time and money.


http://www.zrcworldwide.com/p_galvilite.asp

[simonbeans]

That is Gospel. I have tried everything, including the epoxy you mentioned. Fine if you want to be constantly touching it up. Why do you think galvanized tanks seem to be looking the best over all the years?

[beel82]

One of the guys I dive with who got me into diving DH regs, has a Spiro tank from the 70s. From the looks of it, it appears to be all original and he said they used some special coating with some kind of clear finish. This tanks finish looks indestructible, it has held up real nice( better than an old nemrod tank I have that is suppose to have some kind of epoxy finish....). Anyways, was wondering if anything came close, I might just have to go Mike Nelson style with the galv tanks which suits me fine as well.... after all I am Mike Nelson...!!

[Herman]

I completely understand the non painted/ galvinized look but I recently got a set of USD 38's and would really like them to remain yellow. I am thinking a few coats of Galvitite but with an overcoat of UDS yellow to keep the tanks looking original. So, with that in mind, do any of you have a good recommendation for a yellow topcoat...brand/type/color?? Got to get then pretty for Sand Dog.

[gj1963]

Just my opinion but I have been quite happy with rustoleum yellow. Close match - at least to my eyes and durable. Just needs to cure for a while..... Tank on the left painted with it....

[Drado]

On a somewhat related topic (and if Beel doesn't mind) I'd like to take this opportunity to ask the tank gurus out there about the veracity of one of the things being touted on other boards about paint and steel tanks. According to those boards, use of paints that form a hard coat (such as epoxy) over the surface can be risky if pinhole damage occurs because it can lead to rust forming undetected under the paint - similar to the situation with tank liners. True? False?

[simonbeans]

Anyways, was wondering if anything came close, I might just have to go Mike Nelson style with the galv tanks which suits me fine as well.... after all I am Mike Nelson...!!

This is the closest I have ever seen to Mike Nelson since 1961:

[1969ivan1]

All hail Gary "MIke Nelson" Reece!

[beel82]

On a somewhat related topic (and if Beel doesn't mind) I'd like to take this opportunity to ask the tank gurus out there about the veracity of one of the things being touted on other boards about paint and steel tanks. According to those boards, use of paints that form a hard coat (such as epoxy) over the surface can be risky if pinhole damage occurs because it can lead to rust forming undetected under the paint - similar to the situation with tank liners. True? False?

That's a good point, I believe I read that somewhere else as well.

[captain]

No paint is going to prevent rust from showing through. Just like rust blisters show up on car bodies the same will happen to the paint on tanks.

[Robohips77]

That is Gospel. I have tried everything, including the epoxy you mentioned. Fine if you want to be constantly touching it up. Why do you think galvanized tanks seem to be looking the best over all the years?

For sure use the ZRC galvalite. I bought a gallon about a month ago to use on my Jet ski trailer and a few other touch up jobs and have plenty to share. It is not inexpesnsive. If someone needs a pint I would be willing to send some in a Ball mason jar. Cost would be about 15 bucks plus shipping. I paid 186 including the shipping. It would need to be mixed before I fill and send some, but a pint would go a long way on galvanized tanks. It is a thick heavy paint. So the offer is out there if you need some. But yes the Captain is right!! Robohips77