Jon,
Welcome to the list!
The only paint I have found so far that will survive the salt is POR-15. It
is flexible enough, resistant to chemicals and abrasion, and can easily be
sanded or ground off when you have to weld on a new duffenator or framitz. I
don't like powder coating because it is virtually impossible to remove if
you need to weld something else on, and even if it looks like you got it all
off, it is likely to contaminate the weld. The first thing I used POR-15 on
was a set of front spindles on the truck. I even painted the surface on
which the bearing seal rides and after four years, the seal area doesn't
even show a line where the lip rides. The spindles still look great. Since
then, parts have painted as possible and the chassis for my lakester was
sandblasted, prepped and painted with POR-15. Prep is a two step process
which must be followed carefully and the paint can be top coated. It is not
UV resistant, but only discolors, does not hurt its performance with long
exposure to UV. From what I have heard, it was developed to paint rigs in
the North Sea. It is not solvent based, but is cured by humidity. Therefore,
solvent does not 'boil' out and leave tiny voids in the curing paint. I
think Eastwood sells a product that is aimed at the same purpose.
Fair disclosure, I do sell it, but only because I'm a believer and I wanted
a supply at hand!
Jim Webb
Chock Full o' Nuts
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