Quick background: I’ve had this mower for 10-12 years now? It’s been a homeowner unit since new. Bought it off a friend who had maybe 1/4 of an acre of grass to mow. Since I’ve had it, It’s mowed our lawn which is on one acre, but obviously not 100% of that is grass. I’m getting some bubbling paint unfortunately. Over the last few years, I’ve been doing my best to clean the deck after every mow; especially in the spring when the grass is more moist. After my spring tuneup, I looked at the deck and saw some of the metal starting to flake under it. Ugh! This mower runs mint and only has about 450/470hours on it. Did a little research with AI; make/model, problem with it, pics and tools I had. Here’s the solution it came up with: Hit the underside of the deck with a needle scaler and a flap disk. Then, a rust converter and some paint. From there, fluidflim it regularly. For the top, scuff it up, hit with some paint using an HVLP gun I have better never used. Would be good practice as it’s a mower deck. I wanted to ask here because I know there’s some good experience. I welcome any advice. Some pics for reference.
Ok we did this once at dads camp, basically advice is same for preventing rust on underside of vehicles. Take deck off turn upside down (because you can and it keeps it out of eyes) clean prep and undercoat Wire wheel brush on screw gun works best IME see if you can find vehicles undercoat spray in can..I think theburtman has thread on it and brenndatomu and other offered advice
It's hard to tell from pics, but I think I'd be hesitant to hit that with a needle scaler, at least until you know that it is solid enough to take it. A wire brush and a putty knife will probably be enough. But the rust converter and paint, yes...probably a good oil base paint then, like Rustoleum farm paint...personally, I prefer brush on paint for something like that. Rust-Oleum 1 qt. Farm & Implement J.D. Green Gloss Enamel Paint (2-Pack) 280108 - The Home Depot
I agree. You might end up with an inspection window in your deck. Even a flap disk might be too spicy. Start with a wire wheel and escalate as needed.
Thanks guys! I always appreciate the real world advice! I forgot to mention, I was thinking of hitting it with POR15 (underside of the deck) Would the brush on be better than spraying out of the HVLP gun?
Thanks! I’m debating repainting the entire topside of the deck or just touching up the spots. I’m between “I want this to look even” and “Dude, it’s a lawnmower”.
I pull my deck once a year and scrape everything out, wire brush everything, and then hit any surface rust with convertor. I don't bother with paint.
