Snowplows are an essential part of managing life in the heart of harsh winter, and they are (usually) equipped with as much aid as possible so they can get the job done efficiently and safely. One of these assisting features is the paint job, as we shall soon see.
Plow paint for any snowplow has to have properties that can withstand the elements as well as the salt it will be subjected to routinely. The paint most commonly used is an oil based enamel that has anti-rust properties. It is advisable to begin with an oil based metallic primer.
The following article delves deep into the world of snowplow paint, as we discuss the kinds of paint that are suitable for use on a snowplow. We will then look at the best technique for removing corrosion and rust from your plow before answering a couple of other general questions around this topic. Let’s get started.
Contents
What Kind Of Paint Do You Use On A Plow?
Who doesn’t love a good paint job? Whether it is for a sleek new look or to add artistic accents, the clean and fresh look of a well done paint job is high on the satisfying list.
Snowplows need an anti-corrosion type of paint that can be found in oil based enamels. The most common type of application is with a spray, but brushes can also be used. Spray cans can give a streak free finish, but the use of brushes can offer more customization.
Just like with houses and cars, snowplows benefit a tremendous amount from being painted.
Why Should You Paint A Snowplow?
For starters, painted plows look really cool. Whether it is stock paint or a custom paint job, a colorful plow is a good way to stand out. If you are running a professional snow removal business, you should know that presentation is often key.
Of course, the benefits of painting a snow plow extend far beyond simple aesthetics.
For plows, in particular, paint plays a protective role.
You should paint a snowplow because it is routinely exposed to all sorts of environments and elements. Some of these pose serious threats to its longevity. Acid, gravel, salt, and the snow (water) itself are just a few agents that can cause problems. A proper paint job adds a layer of protection.
Paint serves as a buffer between the plow moldboard and these agents, which minimizes nicks and scratches on the surface. Paint also slickens the moldboard surface, which makes it difficult for snow to cling on and cause rusting.
Salt is another threat, and its use in road surface snow removal means your plow will be encountering it very frequently. Dissolved salt can eat its way through bare metal over time, causing corrosion. Heck, even painted plows are at risk, which means that the paint must be reapplied every so often.
What Kind Of Paint Should Be Used For A Snowplow?
Well, while there are no dedicated “snowplow paints”, you can make use of a number of oil-based multipurpose paints. Just make sure that the paint has “anti-corrosion” or “anti-rust” somewhere on the label.
One brand we recommend is Rust-oleum, a company that manufactures a wide range of protective hardware chemicals. Rust-oleum has an awesome Protective Enamel paint that is perfect for snowplows.
The product makes use of an oil and enamel-based formula that is specifically geared toward protecting surfaces from corrosive agents. Rust-oleum Protective Enamel paint is a highly versatile gloss paint, as it can be used for wood, concrete, and, of course, metal.
Your plow will benefit from a slicker surface that allows snow to roll off smoothly. The paint is also highly resistant to light scratching and nicks, and it provides a cool glossy shine to your moldboard surface.
Application is pretty simple, and you can use a simple paintbrush if you get the standard 32-ounce tin. One tin can cover up to 90 square feet of work surface, which is great value for money.
You can also get the paint in a spray can for even easier application. This also comes with the added benefit of not having to carefully apply the paint in order to hide brushstrokes.
Whatever form factor you opt for, you are guaranteed a quick-drying (2-4 hours) protective coat that is guaranteed to prolong your plow’s lifespan.
Here are some other articles you will like from LawncareGrandpa.com…
- SnowDogg Plow Reviews – UTV, Expandable And Straight Blade
- What To Do When A Snowplow Won’t Lift (Answered)
- Would A 4 Wheeler With A Snowplow Do A Good Job?
Metallic Primers For Snowplows
However, for the best protection, we recommend that you use the enamel paint after applying metallic primer paint. This is especially true if you’re painting from scratch.
Primer is basically an initial coat of paint that is applied before the final coat. Primers are useful for covering up previous dings and scratches as well as old strokes of paint. Primers also make a surface stickier so the final coat will stay on longer.
Rust-oleum is our go-to brand for primer too. Its Professional Primer Spray is simply in a class of its own. The best part? You get TWO 15-ounce spray canisters!
Rust-oleum Professional Primer Spray is an oil-based paint that can be used on a lot of surfaces, including most forms of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The paint’s anti-rust properties make it an ideal companion for the enamel paint we discussed earlier.
If you want double protection for your plow, we highly recommend the use of a base primer and a final coat.
Unfortunately, depending on how frequently you use your plow, you will have to reapply the paint. The frequency varies, but we recommend painting a commercial plow once a year, if possible.
How Do I Get Rust Off Of My Snowplow?
Over time, due to use or even improper storage, some snowplows may develop rust.
As the paint on the plow chips off, moisture finds it easier to penetrate and wreak havoc. This leads to unsightly marks that can eventually compromise the integrity of the plow.
The best solution for rust is to re-finish the plow.
Re-finishing is a pretty straightforward process that requires a few tools and a bit of patience.
The best tool for getting rust off of a snowplow is an angle grinder. It can sand down any rusted spots so new primer or paint can be applied. You can also use a hand wire brush if you prefer the manual route. A wire brush is also useful for tackling angled pits on the back of the plow.
There are no specific techniques for removing rust. All you have to do is scrub down the visible rust and use a pressure washer to remove hard-to-reach stains.
Once you have sanded your plow down, you should seriously consider adding a coat of primer paint and a coat of enamel paint to prevent future rusting.
Another preventative measure is to clean your plow after use. By storing a dirty plow, you are giving salt and other harmful substances time to corrode the surface of your plow. Ensure the plow is cleaned thoroughly, dried, and that all contact points are lubricated adequately.
What color is a Fisher plow?
Fisher snowplows are traditionally yellow in color. To match this yellow powder finish color perfectly it is best to go with the Fisher #27242 spray paint. Yet, the Rust-oleum protective enamel yellow is such a close match it can work for most applications.
This depends on your level of aesthetic goals for your snowplows. Whether you are wanting a close match or an exact one will determine which you choose.
For spot covering chips or scrapes, or for a complete refinishing, be sure to use a primer first to protect it even further from rust and corrosion.
What color is a Western plow?
Snowplows produced by Western are typically red in color. The same thing applies to this plow color as well. You can go with the Rust-oleum brand which has a red that will come close.
Most of the time you will be covering the entire plow blade as a maintenance/refinishing process. The apple red will do the trick nicely. It will also be a good spot paint material for the chips and scrapes during the plowing season.
The Final Touches On Plow Paint For Snowplows…
When you are looking to give your plow a longer lifespan or simply an updated or professional look, it is important to use enamels and metallic primers as your choice of paints. The popular option is the spray application but it can also be done with a quart of paint and a brush.
The color for most plows can be closely matched without having to spring for expensive plow brand paints. Rust-oleum among other brands have several good options to choose from. Their colors can match fairly closely and with plows needing touchups or complete refinishing every year or so, the savings can add up.
If you would like to know more, here are some other of my articles…
- Time For A Fisher Plow Motor Repair Or Maintenance
- Is A Diamond Plow Any Good? (Explained)
- Can You Make A Mulch Driveway? Here’s How To Do It
References
https://info.bossplow.com/blog/6-tips-for-refinishing-your-snow-plow
