Rock sliders are essential for off-road enthusiasts, protecting your vehicle's sides and undercarriage from rough terrain. However, after countless adventures, they can get pretty beat up. Refinishing your rock sliders not only restores their appearance but also prolongs their lifespan. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you bring your rock sliders back to life.
Here are the steps and products I've used, all of which can be found at places like Harbor Freight, Tractor Supply, and local hardware stores, keeping the cost as low as possible. If you live in an area where they use salt, sand, and chemicals during the winter months, you'll be lucky to get 2-3 years out of a powder coat job. That's why I find it easier to do it the DIY way. Not only is it cost-effective, but you can also touch them up as they get banged up on trails and roads.
Materials You’ll Need for Rock Slider Restoration:
- Safety goggles and gloves (if you choose to wear them)
- Wire brush or grinder with a wire wheel attachment
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Rust converter (e.g., Rust Kutter from Tractor Supply)
- Degreaser (e.g., Simple Green or Purple Power)
- Acetone or fast-evaporating cleaner
- Paint (e.g., Rust Bullet BlackShell and 2k aerosol Raptor Liner)
- Paintbrushes (for touch-ups)
- Clean cloths or rags
- Masking tape and newspaper (for protecting surrounding areas)
- Pressure washer (optional)
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Safety First (Kind Of)
- Although it's highly recommended to use safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands, I opted for a "safety squint" when using the wire cup brush. It's not ideal, but it worked for me. For best practices, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
2. Remove the Rock Sliders
- If possible, remove the rock sliders from your vehicle. This will make the refinishing process easier and more thorough. You can opt to do it on the vehicle, but then you end up using more time doing prep work having to tape and mask off areas of the vehicle.
3. Degrease and Clean the Surface
- Spray the rock sliders down with a degreaser of your choice and let them soak for a few minutes to break down stubborn grease and grime. A degreaser like Simple Green or Purple Power works well for this step.
- After a few minutes of dwell time, use a pressure washer along with a scrub brush to thoroughly clean the rock sliders. The pressure washer will help remove built-up dirt and the scrub brush will tackle any remaining tough spots. Ensure to clean both the exterior and interior surfaces of the sliders.
- Allow the rock sliders to dry completely before proceeding to the next steps.
4. Remove Rust and Old Paint
- Use a wire brush or a grinder with a wire wheel attachment to remove any rust and old paint. Pay special attention to rusty areas, ensuring you remove all loose material. You may want to use a pick or small flat head screwdriver to pick off any loose or bubble areas of paint, ensuring that the surface is free of any deformities that may affect your finished product. If the rust is severe, consider using a rust converter like Rust Kutter, available at Tractor Supply, to treat the affected areas before moving on.
5. Sand the Surface
- Before sanding, wash off any of the rust reformer/rust kutter spray you may have used in the previous step. This ensures that the surface is clean and free of any residual chemicals. Rust Bullet does not need a rough sanded surface to adhere to, so you can opt to just hit the sliders with a few passes of a red scotch-brite pad.
6. Clean Again
- After sanding, use acetone or a similar fast-evaporating cleaner along with a few clean rags to thoroughly clean the surface. This step is crucial for removing any remaining dust, debris, or contaminants from the sanding process and ensuring the surface is ready for paint.
7. Mask Off Areas
- If you’re not able to remove the rock sliders from your vehicle, use masking tape and newspaper to cover areas you don’t want to paint. This will prevent overspray and keep your vehicle’s bodywork clean.
8. Apply Paint
- I opted for Rust Bullet BlackShell because I have had great experiences with it in the past. You need to just follow the instructions for the time in between coats and you'll be all set. I plan to do maybe 2-3 coats depending on how much coverage I'll get from the quart I ordered.
- After applying Rust Bullet BlackShell, I plan to lightly scuff the top of the tread area up as per Rust Bullet instructions to use 80-110 grit Sand Paper and scuff the coating once you allow it to full cure for 24 hours and spray that area with some 2k aerosol Raptor liner.
9. Touch Up and Inspect
- After the final coat of paint has dried, inspect the rock sliders for any missed spots or uneven coverage. Use a small paintbrush for touch-ups if necessary.
10. Reattach the Rock Sliders
- Once the paint is fully cured, reattach the rock sliders to your vehicle. Ensure all bolts and fasteners are tightened securely.
11. Final Inspection
- Give your rock sliders a final inspection to ensure they are securely attached and the finish is smooth and even. Your rock sliders should now look as good as new and be ready to tackle the trails again!
Maintenance Tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Keep your rock sliders clean by washing them regularly. This helps to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime that can lead to rust.
- Inspection: Periodically inspect your rock sliders for signs of damage or rust. Early detection can prevent more extensive repairs.
- Touch-Ups: Keep a can of touch-up paint on hand for minor repairs to the finish, ensuring your rock sliders remain in top condition.
By following these steps and using quality products like Rust Kutter, Simple Green or Purple Power, Rust Bullet BlackShell, and Raptor Liner, you can restore your beat-up rock sliders, giving them a fresh, durable finish that will protect your vehicle and keep it looking great on and off the trail. Happy off-roading!
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