To Paint or not to Paint Question

[topkote]

Good afternoon Folks,

I'm getting ready to fire up my new table for the first time. Before I do, for the occasional user, does it make sense to paint the water table surface? I realize the slats are going to get cut up but what about the table pan itself. I plan on draining off the table into a 55 gallon drum when it's not in use for a few days. Is it a waste of time / money to paint it? I will be using a commercial quence for the water.

Thanks in advance,

Mike

[WyoGreen]

I painted my water pan with a zinc rich paint. My slats I left plain, and I drain my table every night into a 55 gallon drum under the table. After saying all that, I have not had any problem with rust either on the pan or the slats. I use washing soda in the water so that may have some influence on the rust.
Steve

[topkote]

Thanks for the response. Mike

[SegoMan DeSigns]

My 2x2 table has been in use over 5 yrs, with a little buffing from the wire wheel the bare metal still shines. Laundry soda works..
The 6x12 is still on its first set of slats..

[adbuch]

My 4x4 water tray has been in service now for about 5 years. It is constructed from 11 ga. cr steel, and I painted the outside only - and left the inside in bare metal. The water additive I use does have some anti-corrosion properties, and I think this has helped to minimize the rust.
David

[TJS]

i painted mine with POR15 on inside and outside. Total garbage. Peels off in sheets. I might try bedliner on the inside on my next clean out. However I am going to make a holding tank as well.