If your posts look like this, I'll bet you've got a project on your Things To Do list.
A lot of people ask me what the best deal I've got for graphite. Without question, it's always going to be the 4-pack of gallons. Compared with quart cans or spray cans, you get a LOT more for your money. Having said that, there are times when it makes more sense to buy a smaller quantity. If you want to provide your driver with something for touch-ups when they're on the road, a quart can is a good idea. The spray cans are arguably cleaner (just make sure there are no cars behind that post!), but honestly, a lot of the weight of these things is the propellant used to move the paint out the nozzle.
What can you do to get more value out of your investment in Slip Plate?
Well, like any painting project, it's all about SURFACE PREP. If you were painting in your home, you know the worst part is moving stuff around, unscrewing the electrical outlet covers, masking the trim, sanding the rough spots, filling holes. All that stuff. It's easily 1/3 to 1/2 of the job, right?
Well it's the same with applying Slip Plate graphite paint. Here are a few tips. Some of them take a little longer, but your Slip Plate is going to last a lot longer.
- Don't paint over rust. If you have bubbles of rust, you're going to want to take a needle gun and chisel that stuff off there. Then sand it a little. Take a cloth and clear off the dust.
- Don't use too many layers. A little dab will do 'ya.
- Make sure you give it time to cure. Importantly: just because it's dry, doesn't mean it's cured. If you put the Slip Plate on, and a couple hours later go off and start loading cars and moving those decks and sliders up and down and in and out, that paint hasn't had time to cure. Curing is the chemical process whereby the molecules make cross-linked bonds and the coating becomes harder and more durable.
- Paint where it's warm and dry. If you can't do that, you're just going to want to let that truck sit longer so the paint will cure really good. Seriously, if you have to do it outside when it's cold and damp, do it on a Friday and let it set all weekend. It's OK. You deserve a weekend at home. Besides, you just Slip-Plated your truck...do you really want to have to do that again in a month when it starts peeling off?
How much do you need to buy?
I've seen a High Rail suck up about 2/3 to 3/4 of a gallon. With a Quick Loader, you might be able to get by with a little more than a quart. Of course, it depends on the condition. If you've got tons of rust bubbles, and you're taking the needle gun and the sander to it to get down to bare steel in half of the places, you're going to need more than that.
Where should you store it?
Don't store it in your garage on an outside wall. Slip Plate does not want to be in North Dakota in January. If you can, store it in your house where it will be above freezing.
