Hey Steer Smart Fam!
If you’ve ever installed one of our red powder-coated products — like our front or rear track bars — and picked up a little rock rash, scratch, or scuff during install or on the trail, you’ve probably wondered: “What can I use to touch this up?”
We get this question a lot. Because our parts are dual-coated (E-coat + high-quality powder coat), we don’t offer an official factory-matched touch-up paint. But after some real-world testing, we’ve found a great, readily available solution that gets the job done.
The Solution: Rust-Oleum Sunrise Red
We stopped by Home Depot and picked up a can of Rust-Oleum Sunrise Red spray paint. We tested it side-by-side against our factory powder coat, and the match is excellent with a slight bit more of gloss.
• The color, gloss, and overall appearance are remarkably close. It’s not an exact factory match (nothing beats the original powder coat process), but for touch-ups, rock chips, or small repairs, it’s a fantastic and affordable fix.
Why This Works Well
Our red components are built tough for serious off-road use. When they do get minor damage, you want something that:
• Matches the vibrant red closely
• Sticks well to the existing coating
• Provides decent durability
• Is easy to find and inexpensive
Rust-Oleum Sunrise Red checks all those boxes.
How to Apply It (Pro Tips)
1. Clean the area thoroughly — remove dirt, grease, or loose debris.
2. Scuff lightly (optional) with fine sandpaper if the scratch is deep.
3. Spray on cardboard first — then use a small touch-up brush or foam applicator for precision on small chips. This gives you the most control.
4. Multiple light coats are better than one heavy coat.
5. Let it cure fully before hitting the trails.
If you’re in a pinch and need to cover a larger area quickly, you can spray directly, but the cardboard + brush method gives the cleanest results.
Where to Get It
You can find Rust-Oleum Sunrise Red at most Home Depot stores, online, or other major retailers. It’s a standard color in their line, so it should be easy to source locally.
Final Thoughts
We want you to keep your Steer Smarts gear looking sharp for years to come. While we always recommend proper installation and protection (think skid plates or careful routing), this Rust-Oleum option gives you a solid, budget-friendly way to maintain that clean red look.
Have you tried this paint on your Steer Smarts parts? Drop a comment below and let us know how it worked for you — or reach out if you have any other questions about maintenance or product care.
Thank you,
