Paint/Coatings

aczeller · #1 01-28-2011, 11:48 AM

I have been asked to design and possibly build a custom smoker. a pretty elaborate one actually. without going into too much detail, they want it BRIGHT red or yellow (probably red), with a high-gloss finish.

my instant thought was powdercoat. for the smoke chamber, that would be great. the temps stay relatively low enough, and the powedercoat would allow for super-easy cleanup of any soot or drippings. However, the firebox is another issue. if I were to insulate it, there wouldn't be a problem (I don't think so anyway), but i'm not sure how feasible that will be with this project. I am basing my calculations on my past experiences, mostly with my fridge smoker and it's insulated firebox. I plan on the firebox reaching temps well above 900 degrees if it is un-insulated, so i am planning on about 1500, just to be safe. powedercoat is applied and baked at 400-450*F, so if the firebox reaches the higher temps, it would actually melt and possibly combust.

I have thought about engine enamel... the 2000*F stuff, but every time i use it, i get a very matte finish, which isn't going to work.

the color is very important, as is the gloss finish. if it ends up getting built, it will not only be a show-piece smoker, but it will also be my cornerstone project. there has got to be a way to do this... just gotta think about it. any ideas?

Later,
Andy

Richtee · #2 01-28-2011, 11:57 AM

Gloss and heat don't get along well, as glosses tend to be hard finishes. And hard finishes don't so well with expansion/contraction. You COULD go with gloss after the firebox. And a matte black firebox looks pretty cool alongside a cherry red smoker...

Mark R · #3 01-28-2011, 11:58 AM

Go to an automotive paint supply. They have or can order anything you want. Not an auto parts store, an automotive paint store or supply.

Time2Eat · #4 01-28-2011, 12:03 PM

would that be a fire engine red?

Unfortunately I think Rich is right, everything I can find that covers that high of a heat only comes in a flat finish.

Blowin Smoke · #5 01-28-2011, 12:04 PM

Andy,

I'm pretty sure they make a high heat powder coat. It will withstand temperatures up to 1000F.

Try a search on high heat powder coat.

Mikey · #6 01-28-2011, 12:15 PM

You can prime with this.
http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=381

Then finish coat with this.
http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct....371&sid=248908

Checkered Past · #7 01-28-2011, 01:51 PM

Talk to the powder coat people about Ceramicoat (may be called some thing else) it is used for coating exhaust headers on Hotrods not sure of colors or gloss finish

If you Google...Capps powder coating .. it may help you out with some info

Richtee · #8 01-28-2011, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Checkered Past

Talk to the powder coat people about Ceramicoat it is used for coating exhaust headers on Hotrods not sure of colors or gloss finish

Here is a website thats local to me for info...Capps powder coating .. may help out

Hmm ceramics...THAT might be the answer!

Checkered Past · #9 01-28-2011, 02:26 PM

Their website claims 1300 degrees

aczeller · #10 01-28-2011, 02:32 PM

I actually got the bright idea to call my powedercoater today over lunch... figure that... a powdercoater knowing about his own products? who woulda thunk it? lol

anyway, he told me that there is nothing out there that he is aware of that would hold up to the temps other than blacks and grays. the reason being is colorfastness... red will turn pink or maroon and the yellow will turn brown. the yellow will actually turn colors sooner than the red.

looks like I will be fully insulating the firebox after all...

Later,
Andy

aczeller · #11 01-28-2011, 02:33 PM

allegedly, ceramic is what gives Duplicolor's 2000*F paint it's heat rating...

Meat Hunter · #12 01-28-2011, 02:34 PM

A ceramic coating would be a viable option for the firebox. Several online sources for it, especially the aftermarket hot rod performance shops. Same thing as header coating. If I remember right, there are a few color options and the temps are good upwards of 2000 degrees.

Mikey · #13 01-28-2011, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aczeller

allegedly, ceramic is what gives Duplicolor's 2000*F paint it's heat rating...

While you are correct about the ceramic resins in Dupliccolors High Heat Paint, you are incorrect about the temperature.
"Resists temperatures up to 1200 degrees F intermittently"
http://www.jegs.com/p/Duplicolor/Dup...63072/10002/-1

The Rustoleum that I linked you to earlier is the only high heat paint that I've found that is rated to 2000 degrees. There may be something better out there, but I haven't found it........yet. It appears that insulating the firebox will be your best option at this point. Good luck with your project

new smoke · #14 01-28-2011, 04:15 PM

I vote insulate if you can. If nothing else, for the efficiency...oh and the easy paint choice.

HawgHeaven · #15 01-28-2011, 04:28 PM

Insulate.

There ain't jackshit out there in a paint that I have found to hold up on a non-insulated firebox in a gloss finish. Ceramics will work... Weber does it well. Not sure of the cost tho...