How To Paint A Tractor Or Lawn Mower

Lawn mower or tractor paint can restore your equipment’s appearance, protect it from rust and keep it looking great longer. Whether you have a push mower, riding mower, or tractor, a fresh coat of paint can make a significant improvement.

Before you apply mower or tractor paint, it’s important to properly prepare its surface. You'll also need to choose the right paint and know how to use it correctly.

Why Should You Paint Your Lawn Mower?

Mowers routinely face exposure to weather, dirt and debris. Over time, this can cause paint to chip and metal components to rust. A fresh coat of paint restores a tractor or lawn mower’s appearance while providing defense against corrosion.

How To Choose the Best Lawn Mower or Tractor Paint

Lawn mower paint comes in a variety of colors. Some products come in a choice of spray paint and brush-on paint. The method you choose may depend upon how much paint you need as well as personal preference.

Some paints like Rust-Oleum Power & Equipment Spray Paint and Rust-Oleum Farm & Implement Paint match the colors of specific mowers and tractor brands. Choosing paint that matches your machine’s original color helps ensure that your results look authentic.

For instance:

• Rust-Oleum Power & Equipment Spray Paint in Rugged Red matches newer Toro®¹ models.
• Rust-Oleum Power & Equipment Spray Paint in Outdoor Yellow matches newer Cub Cadet®² models.
• Rust-Oleum Power & Equipment Spray Paint in Toolbox Red matches newer Craftsman®³ models.
• Rust-Oleum Farm & Implement Paint in JD Green and JD Yellow match John Deere®⁴ original equipment colors.

How To Prep Your Mower for Paint

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful paint job. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and durable finish:

• Clean thoroughly. Start by cleaning your lawn mower. Remove any grass clippings, dirt, grease or oil using a cleaning and degreasing solution or mild detergent. Let all surfaces dry before proceeding.
• Disassemble or Cover. Consider removing detachable parts like blades, wheels and accessories to avoid accidentally getting paint on them. Consult your owner’s manual for safety and assembly instructions. Cover any unattachable mower parts that you don't want to paint. This includes the engine, wiring, decals and rubber parts.
• Sand the Surface. Use sandpaper or a wire brush to remove any rusty spots or flaked paint. Sanding smooth, glossy surfaces will also help the new paint adhere better. After sanding, wash and dry your mower again.
• Apply a Primer. Apply a Rust-Oleum rust-resistant primer to metal surfaces. Primer helps paint adhere and gives additional protection against corrosion. On plastic parts, use a primer like Rust-Oleum Plastic Primer Spray or Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Universal Bonding Primer. Be sure to carefully follow the directions on the label because some primers have extended cure times.

How To Paint Your Mower

Once you’ve chosen your paint and your prep work is complete, it’s time to start painting your tractor or mower. Be sure to follow the instructions on your paint can’s label to achieve results that look great and last.

Paint labels will typically include the following tips:

• Apply paint in recommended temperatures and humidity levels to ensure the paint properly dries. It’s a good idea to paint in a shaded area, or not in direct sunlight, so the mower’s surface isn’t heated by the sun.
• Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated space.
• Apply a second coat of paint after the recommended wait period so that your paint dries to a smooth, durable finish.
• Allow the paint to fully cure before operating your mower.

Tractors and lawn mowers can show wear and tear over time. A fresh coat of paint is a simple and cost-efficient way to restore their appearance, so they look as great as they perform. By choosing the right paint colors, taking time to prep and properly applying paint, you can restore your mower’s appearance.

¹Toro® is a registered trademark of The Toro Company and is referenced solely for the purpose of informing consumers that Rust-Oleum believes the color of this product to be a match for or compatible with certain colors used on genuine Toro equipment.

²Cub Cadet® is a registered trademark of MTD Products Inc. and is referenced solely for the purpose of informing consumers that Rust-Oleum believes the color of this product to be a match for or compatible with certain colors used on genuine Cub Cadet equipment.

³Craftsman® is a registered trademark of Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. and is referenced solely for the purpose of informing consumers that Rust-Oleum believes the color of this product to be a match for or compatible with certain colors used on genuine Craftsman equipment.