Spray-Painting A Welded Rollcage: A Step-By-Step Guide

Painting a roll cage can be a time-consuming and challenging task, but it is necessary to improve the aesthetics of your vehicle by covering the ugly colour of metal and weld splatter. Before painting, it is essential to clean the cage with a degreaser, paint thinner, and spray-on etch primer. While some suggest painting the roll cage before welding, others argue that it is best to paint after welding to avoid burning off the paint. To paint a roll cage once it's welded in, you can use a roller, spray cans, or brush-on paint. It is crucial to mask off the areas you don't want to be sprayed and be cautious of overspray when painting inside a car. Rustoleum hammer finish paint is a popular choice for its durability, texture, and ease of touch-ups.

Painting before or after welding

Painting a roll cage once it's welded in place can be a challenging task. Some people suggest painting the roll cage before welding, as it can create a better surface for welding and prevent cumulative spatter. However, others argue that painting after welding is preferable, as it can help hide any weld defects or inconsistencies. Painting before welding also means that the welds themselves won't be painted, and paint can interfere with the weld, making it weaker and more prone to breaking.

If you decide to paint your roll cage before welding, it is essential to consider the type of paint you use. Some paints can increase the risk of fire if they come into contact with the welding arc and can release harmful fumes when heated during the welding process. Therefore, it is recommended to use paint designed to withstand high temperatures if painting before welding.

On the other hand, painting a roll cage after welding can be a tedious process. It often involves masking the interior of the car with paper or tape to protect it from the paint. This process can be time-consuming and may require additional steps to ensure that only the roll cage is painted.

One way to simplify the process is to strip the interior completely before painting the roll cage. This method, commonly used for custom show cars, allows for spraying the roll cage without worrying about masking other parts of the car. Once the paint on the roll cage is dry, the tubes are covered, and the rest of the interior can be painted.

Ultimately, the decision to paint before or after welding depends on your specific project and priorities. If weld quality is your primary concern, painting before welding may be preferable. On the other hand, if you are worried about paint fumes or fire hazards, painting after welding might be the better option. Consulting with a professional can help you make an informed decision and ensure the best results for your project.

Using spray cans

Painting a roll cage once it's welded in can be a challenging task due to the need for thorough masking to avoid overspray on the interior of the car. Here is a step-by-step guide for using spray cans to paint a welded roll cage:

Surface Preparation:

Before painting, it is essential to prepare the surface of the roll cage. Start by removing any grease, oil, or dirt from the metal surface using a wax and grease remover or a degreaser. You can also use acetone or lacquer thinner for this step. Next, use sandpaper to roughen the surface and create a better adhesion for the paint. Sand the tubes with sandpaper ranging from 150-grit to 400-grit, depending on the smoothness desired. Remember to wear suitable protection, such as gloves and eye protection, during the preparation process.

Priming:

Once the surface is prepared, apply a metal "etching" primer to the roll cage. This type of primer can be found in spray cans at auto-part stores. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the primer, including the recommended drying time, to ensure a proper base for the paint.

Painting:

When the primer is dry, you can begin spraying the roll cage with your chosen paint colour. Use a good brand of auto exterior spray paint to avoid fading from UV light and soft drying. Spray in thin, even coats, and avoid using cheap spray cans to ensure a quality finish. Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas, and consider using a smaller spray nozzle or a foam brush to ensure complete coverage. It is recommended to apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat to achieve a smooth and durable finish.

Masking and Overspray Protection:

Before painting, it is crucial to mask off any areas you want to protect from overspray, especially the car's interior. Use painting masking paper, which is thin and contorts to curves, and secure it with tape. For added protection, you can also use tinfoil, cutting it to size and wrapping it around sensitive areas before taping. Ensure that any gaps or openings are covered to prevent paint from travelling to unwanted areas.

Final Touches:

After painting the roll cage, allow the paint to dry thoroughly. You can then apply a clear top coat to any areas that may experience wear, such as door bars. A top coat will provide additional protection and a smooth finish. Remember to follow the specific instructions for your chosen paint and top coat products, including recommended drying times, to ensure optimal results.

Painting a welded roll cage with spray cans requires patience and attention to detail. Take your time, follow the recommended steps, and don't be afraid to apply multiple thin coats of paint to achieve the desired finish.

Painting techniques

Painting a roll cage once it's welded in can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and tools, you can achieve a professional finish. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to guide you through the process:

Preparation:

Before you begin painting, it's crucial to prepare the surface of the roll cage. Clean the metal surface thoroughly with a degreaser to remove any dirt, grease, or residue. Follow this by using a paint thinner to ensure the surface is free of any contaminants that may interfere with the paint adhesion. This preparation step is essential for achieving a smooth and durable finish.

Priming:

After the surface is prepared, apply a coat of primer to the roll cage. A primer will help the paint adhere better and provide a more even finish. Spray on an etch primer to create a strong bond between the metal surface and the paint. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

You can use different methods for painting the roll cage, each with its advantages:

• Brush Painting: Brush-on paint, such as Rustoleum's hammer finish paint, offers a textured look that hides imperfections and welds. It is durable and easy to touch up. Brush painting allows for precise control and can be a good option if you want to take your time with the project.
• Spray Painting: Spray painting, either with spray cans or an auto exterior spray, can provide a smooth and even finish. It is essential to mask off any areas you don't want to be painted and ensure proper ventilation during the process. Spray painting can be faster than brush painting but requires more preparation to avoid overspray.
• Roller Painting: Using a roller, such as a 2" roller, can give you a nice finish and is a relatively quick method. Be careful to protect any areas you don't want to get paint on, as rollers can sometimes be less precise than brushes.

Post-Painting Tips:

After you've completed the painting process, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Drying and Curing: Allow the paint to dry thoroughly. Depending on the paint type and environmental conditions, it may take several hours or even days for the paint to cure completely. Refer to the paint manufacturer's instructions for specific drying and curing times.
• Avoid Moisture: Once the paint is dry, avoid exposing it to severe damp conditions to prevent any issues with blushing or paint damage.
• Touch-ups: If you need to make any touch-ups or corrections, the textured finish of the hammer finish paint makes it easy to blend in repairs.

Remember, painting a roll cage can be time-consuming, so take your time, work systematically, and don't rush the process. With the right techniques and attention to detail, you can achieve a professional-looking and aesthetically pleasing result.

Choosing the right paint

Painting a roll cage can be a time-consuming and challenging task, but it is worth it to enhance the aesthetics of your vehicle and hide any imperfections in the welds. Here are some considerations and tips for choosing the right paint:

Type of Paint

The type of paint you choose is crucial. Some people recommend using a brush-on paint like Rustoleum, specifically the hammer finish variety, which gives a textured look that hides imperfections and is durable and easy to touch up. It is also important to use a primer before painting to ensure better adhesion and a smoother finish.

Application Method

You can choose to spray, roll, or brush the paint onto the roll cage. Spraying may be the most convenient option, but it can result in overspray, which can be difficult to control, especially in a confined space like the interior of a car. If you choose to spray, be sure to mask off any areas you don't want to get paint on. Rolling or brushing the paint may give you more control and precision but could be more time-consuming.

Environment and Conditions

Consider the environment in which you will be painting and the conditions your roll cage will be exposed to. If your vehicle is used in racing, you may want to choose a paint that can withstand high temperatures and has good durability. Additionally, if your car is exposed to UV light, choose a paint designed for automotive exteriors to avoid fading.

Pre-Installation vs. Post-Installation Painting

Some people choose to paint the roll cage before installation, which can make the process easier and avoid the issue of overspray inside the car. However, this means that the welds will not be painted, and some believe that painting before installation can affect the quality of the welds. Most people seem to recommend painting the roll cage after it has been welded and installed, even though it is more challenging.

Professional Services

If you are unsure about the process or want a high-quality finish, consider seeking professional services. There are shops that specialize in building and painting roll cages for race cars and can provide guidance and assistance.

Masking the interior

If you don't want to remove the entire interior, you'll need to carefully mask all the areas you don't want to be painted. This can be difficult, as spray paint will get into every nook and cranny, and it's easy to miss spots when taping and papering. It's important to be thorough and take your time with this step, as any mistakes will be visible once the paint is applied.

Some people choose to use a brush-on paint, like Rustoleum, which is easier to control and won't get into every crack and crevice like spray paint. This eliminates the need for extensive masking and can be a more beginner-friendly option.

Another option is to use a roller to apply the paint, which, like brushing, can give you more control over where the paint goes. However, this method may not be suitable for intricate roll cage designs with lots of tubing.

Finally, it's worth noting that some people choose to paint their roll cages before installation, which eliminates the need for masking the interior altogether. However, this method does have its drawbacks, as the welds won't be painted, and you'll need to go back and touch them up afterward.

Frequently asked questions