Prepping a Tractor for Paint

Preparing a tractor for painting requires thorough surface preparation to ensure a professional and long-lasting finish.

Here are the key steps.

Surface Preparation

Rust and Old Paint Removal

• Remove all dents, dings, and rusty patches
• Sand down surfaces to bare metal using 60-80 grit sandpaper  For areas difficult to sand, use a rust-dissolving coating like Marhyde.
• If complete paint removal isn't possible, at least rough up the existing surface.

Detailed Preparation Steps

Initial Cleaning

• Remove emblems and decals to make painting easier.
• Use engine cleaner and pressure washing to remove grime.
• Wipe down surfaces with mineral spirits or thinner.

Repair and Smoothing

• Weld new sheet metal for severely damaged areas.
• Use body filler (Bondo) to smooth out imperfections.
• Sand until the surface is completely smooth with no bumps or scratches.

Priming

• Apply a lacquer-based, sandable primer.
• Use 2-3 coats of primer, preferably from the same manufacturer as the paint.
• Use an epoxy primer for best results.
• Sand between primer coats.
• Wipe down with wax and grease remover after priming.

Final Preparation

• Use a tack cloth to remove dust.
• Mask areas not to be painted with tape and plastic bags.
• Wear a respirator to protect from paint fumes.

Pro Tips

• Prime or paint within 72 hours of rust removal to prevent moisture buildup.
• Use a high-quality HVLP spray gun for best results.
• Take your time and don't rush the preparation process.

If you need any further help or have any questions about service, tractors, implements, or anything else equipment-related, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944.  Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply.

If you are looking for old, vintage, classic, or new tractor parts, send us a part request. 

Team Tractor Ranch - #1 Tractor Dealer in Arizona. We sell and service most major brands of tractors including Yanmar, Kubota, John Deere, TYM, Mahindra, Kioti, Case, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Ford, Deutz, Case IH, Farmall, International Harvester, Branson Tractors, LS, Shibura, Claas Tractor, McCormick Tractors, Valtra, Solis, YTO, Montana, and Nortrac.