Why do people bake their boxes after painting?

[phraxman]

I was just wondering what baking a box after painting achives? Also what types of paint stands up to baking?
Thanks

[Mark Hammer]

It does a few things, actually.  First, it dries the paint faster.  Second, it "cures" the paint faster, eliminating many of the chemicals that take a little while to escape the paint.  These are part of what make paint smell even after it is dry to the touch.  Third, it tends to flow the paint a bit by softening it.  Fourth, it makes the paint a bit harder. Fifth, placing the box inside a container like an oven, while it dries, effectively protects it from dust particles which most workshops are going to have.

[onboard]

I recall something about baked on enamel somewhere. Baked enamel is pretty good to go without needing a clearcoat, I think.

[Outlaws]

They say don't bake Hammerite.

So didn't.

But I baked the primer, and my finished box isn't holding up too well.  Its easy to chip.


I forgot what company it was, but they had Implement paint.  That is on my list of things to try.  If it lasts on farm equipment, it sure as hell should last on a stompbox.  lol

[R.G.]

they like the smell

[BlackFlag1313]

They taste better

[STOMPmole]

FWIW, I always bake my hammerite finishes.  Your results might vary but  by using Hammerite brand paint and baking it I get a durable paint job...it takes a LONG time to fully cure though although it dries to the touch quickly.

Baking it seems to melt the finish somewhat giving it a smoother glazed look that I like.

[phraxman]

What temp do you guys bake at? And for how long? I have loads of tins of enamel spray so I think I will try baking it to see the results...

[mojotron]

What I have done lately is to use a 75W flood lamp.

0) drill, sand....
1) spray
2) put under light for 35-45 minutes, the lamp is about 6" away from the top of the enclosure
3) let stand for 2 hours
4) repeat stteps 1-3 until done - usually 3 itterations
5) let sit for 48 hours

and it's time to put the pots on ....

[Paul Marossy]

I've been using the light bulb method lately as well. I stumbled on that recently and it works well.

[mojotron]

I've been using the light bulb method lately as well. I stumbled on that recently and it works well.

I like it because it's cheap and has the ability to scale from 1 to probably 10 or so.... the only thing is that dust is a bit more of an issue. I need to make a better box to enclose the lights and drying box.. then it should be just as good as the toster oven method.... To me it's a toss-up... but for now I'm using the light method becasue I would like to paint and bake a bunch of enclosures at once... and this seems to be the best approach for under $50...

[object88]

Never thought of using a regular lightbulb... I always imagined using a toaster oven.  And speaking of toaster ovens, is it "safe" to use a toaster oven for food after you've cured paint in one?  I.e., does the chemical reaction get impregnated into the oven at all?  Should I plan on purchasing a paint-only-toaster for that kind of work?

Thanks!

(I'm very strict when it comes to food safety and my kitchen.)

[Hal]

I wouldn't.  And toster ovens can be had 2nd hand for real cheap ($1 or so, with ease), so there's no need to.

[object88]

Good point, Hal.  Just gotta hit up the local thrift shop.  Thanks!

[smashinator]

I got my toaster oven for free by putting up a note in my office.  Basically just "wanted, your old WORKING toaster oven."  She even cleaned it out for me!  

[onboard]

Funny, I just stumbled on the lightbulb idea too...100th monkey? Anyway - the toaster oven would be better with cats.

Um, cats in the house I mean, not in the toaster oven.

[object88]

Good thing you straightened that one out... I started wondering what improvements a toaster oven could affect on a cat.  :shock:

[mojotron]

One more thing... I think the 2 methods are about equal - the light idea is nice if you like watching though - this is really good for evening-out paint flaws and fingerprints that result from an being too eger with wet paint.  :oops:

[phraxman]

I think that I will have a crack at the light bulb method. Or I might try and rig up an enclosure with a few 4 bar electric heaters in it. That should cook them boxes good and proper!

[mojotron]

Just remember not to get too much over the 150-175 range. I think my boxes get to maybe 130-140 degrees - more than that and I think there are issues with the paint cracking.... :cry: