Primer & paint for Woods mower??

[Dale Finch]

I just had the Woods 42CF-6 mower (42" belly mower for cubs with FH, from Barnyard) sandblasted, and now need to prime & paint it. Alas, I no longer have access to my friend's paint shop.

I think I may just roll/brush paint it, but I'm hoping you "guys" can help me find the most durable primer & paint for the job. It is bare metal right now.

I have previously bought a few cans of Woods Burnt Orange spray paint to touch up a Woods 59, but because of the cost, will probably just try to match the color.

The deck has some pitting, but not too bad, and no rust-through. Is there a durable "fill-in" primer that might smooth out some of the pitting? Don't really feel like doing filling/sanding.

Can you recommend a long-lasting finish paint? Can hardener be added if brushing? And how toxic is the hardener when brushing? Less than spraying?

Thanks for any suggestions!

[Don McCombs]

Let me try to answer your questions in reverse order.

Isocyanate hardener is ALWAYS toxic. As soon as you open the can, you risk injury without the proper PPE. Don’t use it. A mower is not worth it.

They make a sandable primer/filler. You fill in the pits by applying multiple thin layers and sanding down the high areas between applications.

The Woods paint is probably the best option. But… since you’re painting the whole thing, I’d go with a matching color enamel from Rustoleum.

I’d brush the paint on with a foam brush. No bristle marks.

[Bill Hudson]

I used to work in a chemical plant making TDI (toluene diisocyanate). An open-air plant where our standard issue was a gas mask, to be worn at all times. On one hip was a canister filter, approximately 3"x5"x8", for low TDI concentrations and on the other hip was an air hose connection to any of the numerous stations with pressurized fresh air supply for high concentrations. Yes, isocyanates are to be taken seriously because they are dangerous.

Dale, your health/life is more important than a long lasting paint job on a mower. Don is absolutely right, "A mower is not worth it."

[Dale Finch]

Got it, Don & Bill...thanks for confirming info about hardener. I actually have some of the sandable primer, so will probably go with that. I've used Rustoleum's IH Red, and have had good results, so will see what they have in the way of burnt orange equivalent.

As Don emphasized, it IS just a mower! Whatever I do will greatly improve its looks and life!

[Jeff Silvey]

Remember Dale like others have said your life is more important. You know why I was wearing a respirator mask when I was soda blasting the carbs at Buddy.

[Board shortener Tom]

I use a local paint shop brand. RepcoLite. Their primer is called Metl-Clad and the top coat is called Glo-Enamel. It lays out nice even with a brush. It's definitely durable and it is super shiny.

[Dale Finch]

I use a local paint shop brand. RepcoLite. Their primer is called Metl-Clad and the top coat is called Glo-Enamel. It lays out nice even with a brush. It's definitely durable and it is super shiny.

Thanks, I planned to check with a couple local shops, too. I did it a few years ago when I needed burnt orange touch up, but ended up buying a couple spray cans from Woods, instead...just easier! This will be a lot more paint, so will need to look at options.

Right on, Jeff!

[indy61]

My Woods 42 was painted red with white decals from the factory. An earlier version than the 42CF-6 but I think the red looks better than yellow or orange on red tractors. This photo is not mine but the same paint/decal scheme.

[Dale Finch]

My sister would certainly agree with you on red!! She grimaced when I told her it was supposed to be orange!!

[Don McCombs]

Just to add a little to this thread, I too have a late Woods 42 that came on a yellow and white 78 Cub. I assume the mower is the same vintage as the tractor. The mower has original paint and it is not the current Woods burnt orange. It is closer to Federal Yellow, but not quite. The color is a little darker than Federal Yellow, especially in places that have been protected from fading, like the underside of the belt guard. If I was going to completely repaint it, I would use Federal Yellow.

[Jim Becker]

My Woods 42 probably dates to 1961 (likely installed new on the '61 Cub I got it with). It was painted red and had the old style Woods graphics like in Indy's picture.

[Dale Finch]

Guess it's like everything else cub associated... it's yours, do as you like, right?! I'm having dinner with my sisters tonight, so I'll ask what color THEY prefer. Since my goal is a nice-looking paint but mostly to preserve the deck, and I'm not worried about pleasing the "Correct Police", The color doesn't have to be original.

I picked up primer today, so at least I can protect it from flash rust!