Lead based paint

What is it that made lead based paint apply such a nice finish ? I have an old engine that was restored in the late 70's using what I presume was lead based paint. It has one of the nicest finishes I've seen, and I cant seem to duplicate this finish with any modern day paints. I have used all the latest up to date techniques, paints, primers, etc. Nothing seems to match that deep, thick, heavy semi-gloss look. Any ideas ?

Lead was used as a pigment and a drying agent. It doesn't breakdown with exposure to sunlight but the compounds do change. Not sure if this is the real reason.

BTW, lead poisoning from paint was known about even in the late 1800's. Some attribute the fall of the Roman Empire to the lead pipes in their waterworks ( Had nothing to do with the Visigoths apparently).

-Mike

Gurley, Alabama

I used polyurethane marine paint on the last 2 engines. Try to find the type for below water line.It resist oil and gas very well. Last cost was $15.oo a quart.

Bob, and all

If you ever need that GOOD anti fouling marine paint, let me know. I can still get it. I don't want to express where, here on the board.

WOW, now we are into BOAT REPAIR !!!!!!

Jim

Mike

Lead was never used as a pigment in paint. It WAS used as a base for the paint. It would last forever.

As for Lead Posioning, You are correct. No one knew why there was a death problem with it at that time.

Now we know the hazards of lead and the effects it has on us. DEATH can result from this, over time !!!!! It is a slow death.

Be carefull !!!!!!!!

Jim

Dusty

If I were you, I would post the same question on the "Paint Shop" board. Those guys may have a more detailed answer for you.

Jim

Jim..Have you ever used any of that paint on an engine? I like it.

Not a pigment? PbSO4 is sublimed white, PbCrO4 is chrome yellow, Pb3O4 is red lead, PbCO3 was used a white pigment (very poisonous),...

-Mike

Gurley, Alabama

Lead, itself was not in paint, it was lead oxide. The "recipes" for these old paints are really something and lead oxide was by no means the only nasty heavy metal ingredient that could do you harm.

Example:

100lbs heavy paste white lead

3-1/2 to 4 gal raw linseed oil

1 pint turpentine

1 pint pure drier

equals 6-1/2 to 7 gallons of paint

Colors were obtained by tinting with pigments- this paint formula alone is whiter than white. The driers were heavy metal based such as cobalt, etc. Not good for your kids !

Many of the old masters ground their own pigments. Van Gough really had the cadmium yellows figured out and he went bonkers! Speculation has it that Goya was an average good painter until about 3 deep bouts of possible heavy metal poisoning provided him with enough central nervous system damage to give him a very ghoulish artistic style which made him famous.

Perhaps the worst damage from lead and other metal poisonings occurs in children. Their brain and central nervous systems are easily damaged. So for gosh sakes, if you are messing with old paint, be careful, and be sure not to allow your children and grandchildren to be exposed. The damage is subtle and cumulative. You likely won't know if it has happened.

Bob

No I haven't. I use it on Marine Applications only. It is outlawed here, but we make trips elswhere to buy it.

It is used as a bottom paint on boats. Very good paint and durable.

Jim

I hear ya, in my mind I didn't separate elemental lead from lead compounds.

You're right 'bout cobalt being bad for kids. Other heavy metal pollutants are Ca, Cr, Cu, Mn, Hg, Ni, & Zn. Often found in fly ash.

-Mike

Gurley, Alabama