Shopsmith Forums

I didn't realize penetrol could be used equally well on aluminum. I may have to do my main table.

I got tired of the black aluminum crap getting on projects from the small tables of my strip sander.

This one is not mine but it is the same model.
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I cleaned the tables and put a layer of packing tape on them, very slick no more black aluminum crap on my projects.

BuckeyeDennis wrote:The only product code that I could find on my can was "FLD4". It is indeed intended for oil-based paints. I bought it at the local HD for about $9, and I think that the local Ace has it as well. Here's a link to the HD product page.

Yes Flood's Penetrol is for oil based paint and Floetrol is for water based. If used correctly in paint it levels the paint and most (all but I didn't what to overstep) brush marks will flow out.

An old timer I met at Home Depot told me about protecting cast iron table saw tables with Penetrol about 20 years ago. I bought my first can back then. Using it for rust protection it goes a long ways. I have painted, dipped and spread penetrol over many tools and one can lasted years and years.

I goes on clear and I haven't noticed build up. It sort of disappears until you see light reflect off the sheen. I have seen some evidence of it wearing off so I still use wax on wear areas. I protected my bench tubes 20 years ago and they look like they did 20 years ago. No sign of rust.

I did a test of the stuff by applying it to metal surface on the air conditioner outside. It lasted years and in fact the compressor went out and the unit was replaced but the place I painted was still shiney and rust free as it was carted of the recycle center.

I also did a pair of pliers and my grandson lost them outside. I found them about 2 years later after spending 2 years in Florida sun, heat, humidity and rain the pliers were bright and shiney good to go.

I'm sold on it. And try it in your paint watch vertical surfaces they will still run but horizontal surfaces just flow smooth. I never tried spraying it and I was just sitting here thinking about that. My guess you could get it like glass. I will have to try it.

In our current location humidity is not an issue. In my Virginia shop which was in the basement humidity was a constant issue. The only cure that worked well on an ongoing basis was the two dehumidifiers that ran constantly in our basement. One was in a storage room located next to my shop. The other on the other side of the basement in a room which for several years housed a covered hot tub. These locations were selected by checking humidity levels using moisture gauge that I have no idea where came from or went. The humidity level was reduced to an except-able level. I also kept tools covered when not in use. I had the variety of coatings suggested but never used them. I was careful to empty both units on a weekly basis. Jim

Ed in Tampa wrote:Yes Flood's Penetrol is for oil based paint and Floetrol is for water based. If used correctly in paint it levels the paint and most (all but I didn't what to overstep) brush marks will flow out.

I'm sold on it. And try it in your paint watch vertical surfaces they will still run but horizontal surfaces just flow smooth. I never tried spraying it and I was just sitting here thinking about that. My guess you could get it like glass. I will have to try it.

Ed, I've used Floetrol when shooting latex with my Graco HVLP system. It does come out super smooth, vertical or horizontal. Of course, spraying comes out much smoother than brushing any day of the week. I mainly add the Floetrol to latex simply to make it "flow" better in the gun. Latex can tend to dry quickly at the nozzle and plug the tip. If the latex it very thick, I can cut it with a little water and also add the Floetrol to help enhance the quality of the latex that I just weakened with the water. I like it better than brushing, a little more prep work, but worth it.

I just picked up a quart of Penetrol at Lowes today, plan on coating my cast iron bandsaw table tonight, letting it dry for 24hrs and setting in my screened in porch. This is a particularly wet season here, so it should be a good test.

I'm also planning on painting my gas pipes in the furnace/laundry room with the Penetrol. Even though there is a dehumidifier in there, those pipes have accumulated some rust.