any advice re brands of acrylic paints for iron?

I'm looking for a paint system for steel, preferably for both interior and exterior use, with both satin and gloss finishes available. By 'paint system' I mean metal cleaner, primer, and regular coatings. If a clear coat is available that works with the system, so much the better - especially if I could sandwich some regular artist acrylic paints between the regular coating and the clear coats.

I need a nonflammable system with low toxicity - so I'm pretty much confined to acrylic, as far as I know. Needs to be brushable too, not requiring spray equipment.

So far, I've read a recommendation for the Rustoleum 5200 series (acrylic latex.) Has anyone had good success with this brand or any other? By 'good success' I mean good adhesion to the steel, a hard finish not easily scratched (once it's cured), overall ease of use, easy to brush and level out yet drying fast. And of course - UV resistance (to yellowing, peeling, etc.) and overall longevity.

If it's available online in the US, so much the better.

Not asking much, hmm? But paint technology seems to be moving very fast, so I believe that what I'm asking for does exist. Will appreciate hearing of your experiences with specific brands - pro and con. TIA

PPG Pitt tech DTM BM M28/M29 Inslx Inslthane2

I've had acceptable success with each, never used or spec'd the Rustoleum product but I haven't heard anyone claim it's inferior or superior to the lines I'm familiar with and Rustoleum products tend to be a bit overpriced IMHO. Though all claim to be self priming direct to metal they all include a rust inhibitive primer in the system and it's always recommended. BM's degreaser/cleaner is outstanding! None of the 'pure' acrylics level as well or are a scratch resistant as alkyds but are surprisingly good compared with latex's of just a few years ago . None of the Acrylics should have any problems with yellowing and peeling is usually more representative of poor prep than failed coating. Clears will have little or no rust inhibition or uv resistance. Because of it's shipping weight, buying paint 'on line' or mail order is rarely a great deal. Check for local paint dealers that specialize in industrial sales.

Check out Utrecht paints www.utrecht.com I've had good luck with them on concrete. You can order the catalogue on line, but don't hold your breathe wait for it.

congrations on your 'small brag' - us it in marketing - as shown in contemporary blacksmithing.

Fred

Andy, thanks very much. Could you help me understand the three brands you've found acceptable? Is PPG the same as Pittsburgh? Is BM short for Benjamin Moore? And is Inslx the name of a company?

I've found that in looking for coatings, they're categorized as 'consumer, industrial, or auto.' It seems as if I'm looking for industrial, right?

Yes on all counts! Inslx is primarily an industrial paint mfg out of southern NY.

PPG is the parent company of Lucite, Pittsburgh, and Olympic paints, if I recall correctly. Of the three, I personally prefer Lucite.

There's a big difference between consumer level latex's and the current batch of 'pure' (hate that term!) acrylic direct to metal water thinned enamels. There are still many advantages to alkyd, especially in price, but the gap is narrowing rapidly. BTW, one part or 'modified' epoxy's are usually just the basic alkyd enamels in an industrial line and have little to do with true epoxies (which usually should not be used as a exterior top coat!) . The mfg adds a bit of epoxy resin which without any hardener doesn't make a tremendous difference in the product but does makes a difference on the label. The term 'epoxy' is abused in paint marketing the way the term 'turbo' is used in the electronics biz! No ironworks that I'm aware of would use a water thinned enamel, more because of the price than anything else. M.L. Campbell Utrastar water thinned lacquer is more difficult to apply than simple nitrocellulose lacquer, it's also far more durable.

BTW, one part or 'modified' epoxy's are The excellent book Gougeon Brothers wrote on boatbuilding with West system epoxy. The point was that every surface is covered with epoxy. The outside surfaces are treated wuth urethane laquer for UV protection.