# Is Duplicolor car paint, shaker can, a good choice for a wrought iron railing? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 1, 2018, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249 "2018-06-01T11:59:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/1 "2018-06-01T11:59:42Z")
I’ve been reading about shaker can paint. I’ve seen many posts that says Duplicolor goes on very smooth and looks great. I just had a concrete wheelchair ramp poured at my mom’s house. I’m going to a welding shop this afternoon. This shop fabricates wrought iron railing. Here’s an example of what I want. [https://goo.gl/images/jWvZBp](https://goo.gl/images/jWvZBp) I want the rails gloss black. The spindles GunMetal gray. That’s a very classic paint job for motorcycles. Awesome motorcycle [https://goo.gl/images/uGc5zP](https://goo.gl/images/uGc5zP) If I use Duplicolor primer, then topcoat with their black, and gunmetal gray, would that be a good paint for wrought iron? Would I need to apply Duplicolor sealer afterwards? I want this paint job to last 15 or more years. I don’t want the wrought iron rusting. It makes no sense to go cheap on shaker paint. I know this shaker paint is $9.50 a can. It’s not going to take much for a railing. I’m guessing 2 cans of primer? 1 can of gloss black and 1 can gunmetal gray. About $40 in shaker paint. If I apply the sealer thats 2 more cans. $20 ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/2 "2018-06-01T12:16:35Z")
Will I have to tape off the rails to spray the spindles?Then tape off the spindles to spray the rails? Or, can I spray it all black. And only tape off the rails while I spray the spindles gray? Taping every spindle would be very tedious. I haven’t done a lot of shaker can painting. I’m going to see if the welder will paint before he assembles the railing. That would be much easier and quicker. If he doesn’t paint. I guess my shaker can experience will increase dramatically. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/3 "2018-06-01T12:46:49Z")
I would suggest a powder coat finish. A powder is applied via an electrostatic sprayer and it’s baked. The powder melts and forms a uniform coating. Not sure if two color finishes are available. Even if it is, something will need to be masked by someone, and that costs money. Yep, can be done: [https://www.eastwood.com/two-toning-and-multiple-coats-in-powdercoating](https://www.eastwood.com/two-toning-and-multiple-coats-in-powdercoating) ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/4 "2018-06-01T12:50:01Z")
Hmm, I hadn’t considered powder coating. I’d be willing to use only one color if powder coating is an option. The biggest concern is a durable finish that doesn’t rust. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/5 "2018-06-01T13:00:57Z")
I’ll ask the welder about powder coating. Whether it’s financially practical. The railing will be about 12 feet. 2 railings, one each side of the ramp. So approximately 24 ft of railing. Probably in 3 or 4 ft sections. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/6 "2018-06-01T14:32:42Z")
Powder coat is used on lots of equipment that lives outdoors. Properly done it should last a long time. GaryM ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/7 "2018-06-01T16:54:38Z")
I checked and there’s several powder coat companies in my local area. That will be my first choice if it’s not too outrageously high. Paying extra is worth it to get a better weather resistant finish. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/8 "2018-06-01T17:34:37Z")
The two color scheme is going to cost you time and/or money if you do it yourself or get it powder coated. But the powder coat will be worth doing. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/9 "2018-06-01T18:24:51Z")
I wouldn’t get 2 colors and powder coat. Gotta keep the cost reasonable. I’m thinking antique white in a powder coat. If I paint it then perhaps the 2 colors I mentioned in the OP. I’m hesitant to do something this big myself. My shaker can experience has been on small items. 24 total ft of railing takes a steady hand and eye. I’ve seen powder coating on American Chopper. All their custom bike frames used that finish. They did a segment showing how it’s applied. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/10 "2018-06-01T18:36:44Z")
I don’t know if paint can be applied over powder coat. I assume it could be, but maybe not with a good looking and lasting finish. But if it’s possible you could do the whole think in gray and then hand paint the rails black. I’d just follow the powder coater’s advice on that. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/11 "2018-06-01T18:45:37Z")
I’ll ask if it’s advisable to paint over powder coat. Thanks Tripolar! ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/12 "2018-06-01T19:58:14Z")
Based on this: > **[How to Paint Over Powder Coating – A Guide](https://pittsburghsprayequip.com/blogs/pittsburgh-spray-equipment-company/paint-over-powder-coating-a-guide)** > > Powder coating as a finish has a lot of benefits and drawbacks which you can learn more about here. It is often chosen for its durable finish, its environmental friendliness, and lower variable cost in comparison to liquid coating. Despite its... I’d say can be done but not easy or cheap. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/13 "2018-06-01T20:05:42Z")
Since the OP is looking for advice, let’s move this to IMHO. Colibri General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/14 "2018-06-01T21:14:30Z")
> [@GaryM](#): > > Based on this: > > [https://www.pittsburghsprayequip.com/2016/06/07/paint-over-powder-coating-a-guide/](https://www.pittsburghsprayequip.com/2016/06/07/paint-over-powder-coating-a-guide/) > > I’d say can be done but not easy or cheap. That’s a lot more trouble than I was thinking of. I thought maybe something like the Rustoleum or Krylon spray paints for plastic might work. Maybe **aceplace** can get a scrap from the powder coating place to try out. But if they say don’t do it then I’d listen. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/15 "2018-06-01T21:39:42Z")
Might not be your first choice, but I’d be awfully tempted to go one color. But I’m.a lazy sob. ---
**Author:** ![DavidwithanR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3bc359/32.png) [@DavidwithanR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidwithanR)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/16 "2018-06-01T22:11:32Z")
TBH I think any two-color job would look overdone anyway. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/17 "2018-06-01T23:48:53Z")
I don’t think rattlecan paint will go on anywhere nearly thick enough to last for years and, where it _is_ thick, it will drip. Spraypaint is pretty thin. Plus, the waste from overspray will be substantial and that same overspray will be difficult to control with any more than a whisper of breeze. Maybe take it to an automotive paintshop if powdercoating is not practical? ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2018, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/18 "2018-06-01T23:52:34Z")
> [@jnglmassiv](#): > > I don’t think rattlecan paint will go on anywhere nearly thick enough to last for years and, where it _is_ thick, it will drip. Spraypaint is pretty thin. Plus, the waste from overspray will be substantial and that same overspray will be difficult to control with any more than a whisper of breeze. Maybe take it to an automotive paintshop if powdercoating is not practical? That’s a better idea than spray cans. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2018, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/19 "2018-06-02T01:18:11Z")
Talked with the welder. He has a powder coat company that finishes a lot of his wrought iron jobs. A few hundred to powder coat. Not bad at all. The railing is estimated around 2k. He has to measure the ramp before I get a firm price. It’s at least 12 ft. That’s a lot of wrought iron. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2018, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249/20 "2018-06-02T01:56:26Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > It’s at least 12 ft. That’s a lot of wrought iron. Better hurry up, the price of iron and steel is climbing already. Thanks Trump. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-duplicolor-car-paint-shaker-can-a-good-choice-for-a-wrought-iron-railing/815249.md?page=2)