Best options to paint/powder coat rock rails?

Hello everyone. I have an 01 sequoia and it has rock rails welded to the frame. They’re still solid but in bad need of a powder coat job. Am I correct in assuming I’ll need to cut them off, have them blasted and powder coated, then have them welded back on or is there another, less expensive and easier way? I tried to sand them and use truck bed liner a few years back but that didn’t last very long, especially where I put my foot to step into the vehicle. I think I’ll add some grip tape to these high traffic areas next time. Thanks for the assistance.

 

Rustoleum 9100. It’s expensive but amazing. I like to mix in a little sand to give it some grip

 

Thanks for the reply. Would I still need to cut the rails off to do it correctly?

 

You weren’t kidding about it being expensive. That said, if it lasts longer than powder coating, it’s worth it.

 

You have rust in welds, it's nearly impossible to treat that without grinding rusty welds off and rewelding.

 

Thanks for the reply. Would sandblasting fix that issue? I assume it would.

 

Grinding wheel will do, but at the expense of weakening the weld. I.e. need to weld over a new bead.

 

Just clean it up and put the 9100 on it. It’ll be fine lol.

 

Your rails should not be welded on. Look underneath for the cap screws and hopefully you can get them out. Wire brush them and prime the base and you should be fine. Rock rails are meant to be used and paint is better than any coating.

 

I’ve looked many times, they’re absolutely welded to the frame.

 

I would just tape around the area and rattle can it. Get 2 or 3 coats on. Then some skateboard tape where you step.

 

Sand them and apply Steel It!
Steel It is awesome.
https://steel-it.com/products/polyurethane-aerosol

 

What? Lol. They make bolt on sliders, weld on sliders and bolt + weld sliders. No way of knowing if they’re welded or not without looking at it so if OP is saying they’re welded, they’re probably welded