Painting parts

[Knightstick]

Hello, I have  a quick question. Do I need to paint the underside of the transformer bell? Also I'm curious if I need to paint the metal of the output transformers? I am just planning to use a clear coat. Want to avoid the rust. Thanks in advance.

[Paul Birkeland]

The chokes are well dipped and I don't believe they will rust.  I have looked at the bottoms of steel transformer covers from the 90s with no rust on them.  I would definitely hit the power transformer stack with black lacquer.  Typically I will just run a loop of painters' tape around the terminals on the bottom so they don't get hit with paint. 

[Knightstick]

Thanks Paul. Can I also paint the whole of the output transformers? Minus the terminals of course. I'm going with a different scheme now. Thanks in advance

[Paul Birkeland]

Sure, just wrap the terminals in a little painter's tape.

[Knightstick]

I'm really sorry to bother again but there's no black lacquer in my whole town. Would it be okay to hit those transformers with a different type of black? I have some hammered black on hand I'd like to use anyway. Just don't want to ruin the transformers. Thanks

[Doc B.]

Hammertone is fine. In fact it will hide surface imperfections far better than lacquer. It will also take some time to cure completely, so handle it carefully. Better yet let it cure for a week or two before installing.

[Knightstick]

Thanks doc, I'll go ahead and hit the whole transformers with the hammered black then.