painting a cylinder

[anthony kosecki]

I'm looking for info about the best way to clean a cylinder prior to painting. It has old paint and rust on it so thought of getting it grit blasted - is this a good idea? It's a 500 pot and has only done 2000 miles. Tried to use the dremel attachments but they're too short. I'm sure there's been something about this on the forum but not got a clue where. Any advice would be most appreciated.
Stay safe - Tony.

[Mick D]

Hi

I get mine blasted, but - I go to some lengths to avoid damaging the bore. I cut blanks of MDF to cover the open ends of the bore and joint faces and secure them with existing studs if any or bolts / studding if not.

Get it blasted immediately before you intend to paint it - this prevents rust forming on the freshly abraded surfaces.

Regards Mick

[ianw1]

Don't go for Grit Blasting, too severe, go for Bead Blasting.

[clive]

Or use a wire brush!

[spookefoote1956]

Or use a wire brush!

Wire brush for me too.

[ianw1]

A wire brush won't get to the tight area between the fins.

[spookefoote1956]

I recently acquired a small blasting gun that runs off my compressor. Today I ordered some crushed walnut shells to see how it goes shifting paint. Maybe that could be used?

[Mick D]

Hi

If it's a cast iron cylinder grit is the best medium, it leaves the surface ideally 'keyed' for the application of high temperature paint.

Grit is too severe for cast alloy cylinders, bead, aqua or soda blasting would be preferred.

Walnut shell is very gentle and will take a while to remove anything other than flakey paint - it's typically used to clean glass or residue from gas turbines.

Regards Mick

[anthony kosecki]

Thanks for all the info - much appreciated. Found a nearby company that'll blast and apply high temp paint. Once again, many thanks.
Tony