Red oxide ... as a finish?

[Deadeye]

I know, sacrilege.
But...
- I like the colour
- it's cheap as chips
- it prevents rust
- it'll be inside the machine (I'm engine-painting the outside)
Is there a practical reason why not?

 

[Dee J]

As a colour, if you like it, why not. But beyond that, what exactly do you mean by red oxide (as a paint type)? It's origins were as a lead based primer, now it's all kinds of safer formulations with differing properties and finishes...

 

[Deadeye]

As a colour, if you like it, why not. But beyond that, what exactly do you mean by red oxide (as a paint type)? It's origins were as a lead based primer, now it's all kinds of safer formulations with differing properties and finishes...

Just metal primer
Comes out a sort of satin. Contrasts nicely with the green for the outside
And the coverage is good too!

 

[okeydokey]

Its good and sturdy - go for a known brand as some of the cheapest just might not do it, If the area justifies (nice flat bits) then a mini paint roller would give a good smooth finish - well smooth enough!

 

[Jacob]

Amazing stuff
As a pigment very dense. One thin coat of red oxide linseed oil paint completely obliterates whatever is underneath. No primer required.
I've used it quite a lot on woodwork.
No politics involved - "The peoples' flag is deepest red-oxide" just doesn't scan.

"Hematite is the characteristic component of the Swedish paint colour Falu red."

 

[Jorny]

Ochre, umber, tierra di sienna and many reds are iron oxides.

 

[Henniep]

I know, sacrilege.
But...
- I like the colour
- it's cheap as chips
- it prevents rust
- it'll be inside the machine (I'm engine-painting the outside)
Is there a practical reason why not?

No reason at all, go for it.

 

[Richard_C]

Ah, nostalgia. Back in the day, when cars rusted and people fixed their own (and men were men and dinosaurs roamed the earth), an awful lot of my Hillman Hunter was red oxide. Made it easy to find in car parks.

Why restrict it to just the inside

 

[glenfield2]

It’s not very water resistant. In a damp environment rust will still work its evil way. Witness the number of unfinished canal boat projects quietly rusting under their red oxide surfaces.

 

[Jacob]

It’s not very water resistant. In a damp environment rust will still work its evil way. Witness the number of unfinished canal boat projects quietly rusting under their red oxide surfaces.

Lead oxide paints were also known as "red oxide" and was more water resistant but now banned.