Steel stand question.

[crabbydan]

I purchased a used set up just so I can use the stand. This is a steel stand and sturdy as can be for a 5 foot by 2 foot tank foot print. I have two questions.
1 should the ends be capped. I could weld end caps, plug with foam or leave open. What is the best option?
2 the stand is painted with enamel paint. I want to coat it with powder coat or truck bed liner type material. Do I need to remove the enamel paint before I coat it. Also any suggestions on powder coating vs plastic dip paint vs herculiner?

Here is a photo of the end cap. Thanks for any suggestions.

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[billdogg]

I would weld caps over the open ends if it were mine. (and assuming I could weld)

If you are going to leave it open, that would be the perfect chance to clean up all the weld so that when you top coat it it will look really nice. If you are going to skin it, I wouldn't waste the time.

My personal preference would be to powder coat it, although herculiner would look good too. Either way, I would guess that it will need to be stripped (bead blasted?) before you put on a new top coat. Certainly if you powder coat.

jm.02

 

[mcgyvr]

personal preference to how and if you cap them..
IMO plastic push in caps is fine..
These type..http://cdn.mocap.com/grafx/SQS_-_tubes-square-standard-plugs-caps_group1.png

and if the existing finish is adhered well and in great shape then herculine/truck bed coat it.. powdercoating could easily run $100 or more depending on size just for a "lot" charge.. bedliner roll on or spray is just fine.. and may run you $50 or so if that.

 

[RWEngineer]

I would plug the holes. If you are going to have the stand powder coated the finish will have to be removed.

 

[braappn]

Yep I'd plug the holes somehow. The interior of the tube is probably not protected very well and you don't want saltwater getting in there.

I recently built my own steel stand and used two coats of herculiner. I am pleased with the results. I like how it gives the metal a little bit of vibration deadening. Definitely needed two coats, was a messy job, and it took way longer to cure than the instructions lead you to believe. My 3' long x 1' wide x 3' tall stand required two quarts at almost $40 each.

I think it would bond to the existing paint just fine especially if you rough it up a bit first.


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[braappn]

Let me clarify I needed to buy two quarts of herculiner for my stand but didn't use the whole second quart. That amount would probably do two coats on your stand.


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[crabbydan]

I just found the rubber end caps that squeeze/snap into the opening. I think I am going to go that route and rough up the enamel and try that herculiner. I do have two spots that look like the paint chipped off from getting hit by a wrench or something. Stand looks great just a paint chipped off spot. Glad to hear someone has used the herculiner stuff as I have been researching that and yes powder coating sounds incredibly expensive.