Share
Ever wonder how to paint a truck toolbox? Painting your truck’s toolbox is an excellent way to personalize your rig, protect it from the elements and give it some extra storage space. Here are 5 steps on how to get the best results when painting a truck toolbox for yourself or someone you know!
How to Paint A Truck Toolbox
A truck toolbox is a box or container usually mounted on the back of a pickup truck and used to hold different types of tools and other items like coolers, jumper cables, and similar items.
Step 1: Sand Thoroughly
If you want a smooth finish, sanding is an important step. You should use a coarse grit to start and work your way down until the paint will not scratch when rubbed with a fingernail.
If you plan on painting over rust or removing existing paint, be sure to remove it thoroughly as well. It’s important to get the surface as smooth and even as possible before painting so your finish will be flawless.
Step 2: Clean Thoroughly
Even if you sand thoroughly, there is a good chance that dust or tarnish from exposed metal may still remain on the toolbox. In order for paint to adhere well, it has to have clean surfaces to grip onto.
Remove any remaining dust using compressed air or with a tack cloth. You can buy these at most hardware stores near the spray cleaners and degreasers.
If you try applying primer without removing all of this dirt first, your finished product might not look very nice due either to poor adhesion or discoloration where paint does stick or both!
Step 3: Apply Primer
Be sure to use an oil-based primer for metal. Oil-based primers can be applied in thin coats and will dry quickly, but they are far more durable than water-based paints. If you paint over rust or old paint with a latex product, it may peel off later when exposed to moisture.
Step 4: Paint the Toolbox
The best way to apply paint is with spray cans if possible because all of your edges will look crisp without any overlap on unprotected surfaces. Be absolutely certain that no part of the box is still primed before painting!
You want even coverage across every inch so take your time applying multiple light coats rather than attempting to cover everything in one pass right away unless you’re using very light-colored paint (which might require several coats to cover completely).
Step 5: Protect Your Work
Don’t forget that if you want your toolbox to look good for a long time, it will need some protection. If you don’t plan on using the box outdoors again soon, use an oil-based enamel or clear urethane coat so everything stays looking nice and shiny.
It won’t be as durable as paint that has been applied over primer, but it should protect against most rusting.
Do not spray this inside! Always treat metal shop furniture like tools because they are just that tools meant for work first and beauty second. Be sure to keep them outside in cold weather (even under shelter) if possible before bringing them inside to store for the winter.
How Long Will It Last?
Metal is a durable material. Unless you’re using very cheap tools, most of your metal shop furniture will last for years and years even if they aren’t given much care at all.
Some people let their boxes rust or paint them with latex product because it won’t require as many coats to fill gaps, and the toolbox exterior can be protected from moisture by an oil-based enamel finish.
Even if left unprotected, however, it should hold up well against regular use. Just remember that whatever you put into it has to come out eventually!
How To Prevent Rust
Rust is a sign that your steel has been compromised by water, oxygen, or both. The best way to prevent rusting is to keep the metal dry.
If you’re going to store something in it for long periods of time and plan on bringing it inside during the winter months, be sure there isn’t any condensation between layers before closing up shop again!
You can also paint over existing rust with two coats of oil-based primer, which will not only seal out moisture but also provide extra protection from future rust.
By following these simple steps, you should have no problem painting a truck toolbox without having your work turn into an eyesore!
0 Comments