Hi There.

I have a 1977 GMC Suburban, 4x4. I have decided that I will strip and repaint the whole thing. The roof will be stark white (rustoleum, several coats since the flat roof tends to puddle)

From the bottom to midway up the sides I will spray- paint (with a sprayer) that black bed liner stuff - again, several coats. I figure that this will protect the sides, and make for a much easier clean up after being off road. I am even thinking about cleaning, stripping and coating the wheel wells and other underside areas which tend to collect mud, dirt, etc. The bed liner stuff is a slick surface thus nothing really sticks to it.

This leaves me with the hood and the windowed part of the suburban. Color? Um, I just do not know.

I have to completely strip and sand the metal body. There are some small parts (like a space between front and rear doors on the sides) which I would like to sand down to bear metal and then use clear polyurethane to seal.

Thus my question. Would a clear polyurethane stay one steel in an exterior situation like this? If not, do you have any suggestions for another clear coat product that would allow me to keep some of the polished steel showing?

Thanks

David

Polyurethane works best on porous surfaces where it penetrates to maintain its "grip". I have never had much luck getting polyurethane to adhere to metal surfaces, much less a polished surface. As a matter of fact. that polished metal surface is likely to pose some special problems in getting any coating to stick. I suggest you check with a paint and body shop in your area for their advice. You may be able to find a clear wheel coating which would work.

Sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you. Good luck with you project.

I did not desire to polish the metal - that would make for more of a mirrored surface, not a good thing on a vehicle - might blind someone. I was thinking of leaving the metal with fine grit (300 to 400 grit sized) fine lines, to give it the 'stainless steel' look. The chrome look is out for me, this is, after all, a work truck (suppose to be for fun too, but I work too much for fun )

With that in mind, would poly work?

If not, do you have a suggestion for another clear coat of some sort?

Cheers

David

BTW, why do all cars have to have shiny, polished paint jobs? Why is there no flat, or semi-gloss?

Actually, David, the "stealth look" (flat) is sorta catching on among some car folks. It ain't my cup o' tea, though. I think the reason that gloss is popular is because it indicates quality work. I guess it's because there isn't a lot of "gloss" appearing in nature, most things being "flat" until they have been worked through the hands of artisans. Of course, that's purely a wild philosophical guess.

Why don't you try a google search for "clear coatings", "paints" or something similar. I still wouldn't trust the polyurethane to stick to the metal very well. I've tried it on metal and ceramic tile. Neither lasted.