I have this Coleman 228E from 1963 that has some rust. I want to know if I’ll be able to paint it at all.
If you are going to use the lantern, don’t paint the vent. I’ve not found a paint that can withstand the heat of a running lantern. And the burning smell is awful. Some of your countrymen have had vents re-enamelled. Tony
Believe me, high temp paint just won't work. It will for a few light ups then it will just "burn" off. Engine high temp paint won't do it.
Well, that’s annoying. And, I am unable to find a re enameled ventilator in like 20 different searches of google.
@Levi Tomey I said said above “I’ve not found a paint that can withstand the heat of a running lantern”. That includes VHT paints and engine paints. Tony
I literally can’t comprehend how that is possible. I’ve accidentally touched car engines and lanterns, and an engine is definitely hotter (though I still won’t try to paint it).
Levi they are two on the big auction house, $20 plus shipping each one. I need one myself but I’m not going to expend that kind of money for a rusted runner.
@Levi Tomey You can purchase replacement 228E ventilators. Ebay, search Coleman 228 Lantern. The seller "Larry the Lantern guy" has one for sale at the moment that is correct for your 228E. I've purchased from him in the past and he is very helpful.
@Levi Tomey this one will fit your criteria OldColemanParts.com :: Lantern Parts :: Ventilator 228E Used #1
This is my rusted piece and looking for a solid piece, I don’t care if has chips Came with a 220 ventilator instead of the 228
@Pancholoco1911 Nice, looks in good condition. I do like a big hat, it will be great once you get the ventilator for her.
Lol, I have the dedicated wrenches but they are never available at the operation table, only that one is on hand every time I’m working on my lanterns
@Alex Smith this is my third big hat (228c, 228E and this one missing the ventilator) I have a bunch of 220’s but I’m getting rid of them and keeping only the big hats
There are hardly any paints on the common market that could really stand up to the heat from a running lantern. And if they do, they only come in few limited colors. The usual Hunter Green is not one of them. And they're all flat and non-reflective. I've casually experimented some home brews that could eventually work if further refinements are continued. Well, the only paints or coatings that could withstand the heat of lantern hoods or higher have to be 100% inorganic in their composition. These do not have any resins or organic binders in them. For instance, the pigments could be some combinations of refractory oxides, titanates, some ground glassy frits and the binder is usually some alkali silicates. They could be applied similarly as the usual paints. They're usually cured at temperatures in the range of 700-800 degrees Celcius or so, which is similar to enamelling temperatures too. That'll be higher than what is usual on lantern hoods. These paints could usually withstand higher temperatures than porcelain enamels. But then again, they're all non-glossy.
Go the short cut to logic on this one, @Levi Tomey: If there was a paint that was nice and glossy and could withstand the constant heat of a burning lantern, why would Coleman go to the expense of enamelling vents? I’ve used just about every very high temperature paint available in Australia, and none last more than a light up or two. Cheers Tony
It is not only the temperature. The mixture of gases at that super hot temperature will break down almost anything.
Faultless logic that warms the cockles of me dear old heart! I think it's also worth pointing out that even vitreous (=glassy) enamel eventually succumbs to the heat of a lantern hood. It's to do with the differential expansion of the enamel and the metal substrate. Sooner or later, the enamel will develop micro-cracking, water gets in and the metal goes rusty or otherwise reacts and the enamel flakes off. This is what happens - lanterns weren't designed to be everlasting and do wear out over time. A bit like a car, really - they're designed to last a few years before total replacement and even during their design life, they need servicing, repairing, parts replacing etc., etc... There's no real point in spending lots of money on a mint replacement hood for a lantern you intend to use frequently, particularly outside. Mint hoods are best reserved for 'shelf-queens' - that's what we call lanterns that are placed on a shelf to be looked at only, that is to say, never used. What we refer to as 'user' lanterns - ones we actually use to produce light - will generally have a few defects, particularly in the hood/ventilator area. Hope that helps...
The ventilator, but this paint is tested to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, and Coleman lanterns are less than that.