Cast Iron drum brakes - Restoration finish?

[Bob Bidonde]

I recently saw a picture of NOS brake drums, and their color was a dull black. In my opinion, these pressed steel drums had a finish that came from quenching in oil during heat treatment.

[rotorwrench]

If a person is worried about heat transfer the radiator type paint can be lightly sprayed on. A brake drum shouldn't heavy coats of any type of paint on it. Thin coats degrade over time when in the environment of an automobile wheel. My old 29 still has steel pressed brake drums with the press on rings to stabilize the shape of the drum.

[CA Victoria]

I’m guessing the spray you found is called a topcoat. The POR 15 Rust is the products you need. The topcoat is a softer paint as is the rustoleum industrial.
The POR 15 rust comes in small cans, it brushes on really easy. Once it cures you’ll have a Dickens of a time getting it off anything.
If you media blast the surface you won’t have a need for any other surface prep other than brushing it with a stiff brush......

[katy]

Stove black

[The Master Cylinder]

I painted my cast iron drums with the same satin black I use on most under car apllications. It never occurred to me that I might need high temperature paint. I have never seen my drums above 180° F. Never had a problem.

[Jersey Mike]

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I’ve used Krylon satin black paint on mine and customers drums for 40yrs. Never had a problem with heat.