2k painting advice needed.

[John]

Still toying with the idea of doing this myself, (not quite got the courage yet!) but have a few queries! Any pointers will be greatly appreciated.

Right, primer.
Whats the best type to use for bare metal?
How do i mix it? 50% primer, 25% thinners, 25% activator?
How long before a, it goes off and b, dries altogether?

Solid colour.
Mixing ratio again? do i need to filter it?

Base coat.
Again mixing ratio? need to be filtered? How long do i leave it before clear coat?

Clear coat.
Again mixing ratio.

I need to paint my front panel, rocker cover and camgaurd cover, so i'm guessing 1/2 litre of base and 1/2 litre of clear.
And wheels i'm guessing solid colour 1/2 litre for a set of wheels (4)

Any help or pointers greatly appreciated!

[Nick J]

Hi John,


Most solvent basecoats are 50:50 however waterbournes are usually 2:1

You will require an etch primer for bare metal but some high build primers do have etching qualitys some dont you'd have to ask suppliers... these normally have a 4:1 mixing ratio, normally best left overnight or baking but I doubt you'll be doing that? will be ready for flatting down after this.

Lacqeurs are usually 2:1 with 5-10% thinner

Id say half a litre would cover your cam, rocker covers and the front panel dependant on opacity of the colour ( covering power ) If its pants you may need more.

Lastly solid colours again are usually 2:1 with 5-10% thinner

Id say for your wheels I'd get a litre if your doing them inside and out etc as you may use a fair bit of paint on them ........ I usually do!

Drying times differ they usually say 15 mins approx between coats with top coats (solid colour or lacqeur) thats in a booth tho! solvent basecoat would be ideal for you at home as it dries like stink! You will see dark patches in the colour were its still wet.... usually can recoat in mins with this. Filter as much paint as you can if you have the filters as they will help with reducing dirt etc.

Hope this helps, Nick.

[John]

Cheers nick!
right.......
so let me get this straight nick.
basecoat, 50% paint, 50% activator?
etch 80% paint, 20% activator?
lacquer 66% actiator 33%?

Sorry if i'm not using the right terminology, i'm sure i'll pick it up! I just don't want to encounter any probs as using the gun is hard enough for me!

[Nick J]

Cheers nick!
right.......
so let me get this straight nick.
basecoat, 50% paint, 50% activator?
etch 80% paint, 20% activator?
lacquer 66% actiator 33%?

Sorry if i'm not using the right terminology, i'm sure i'll pick it up! I just don't want to encounter any probs as using the gun is hard enough for me!


John, hmmmmmmmmmm sort of... but we'll get you there!

Solvent Basecoat 50-50.... basically means equal amounts eg: 1 litre of base would require 1 litre of thinner or basecoat activator.

High build primer.... 4 parts paint to 1 part activator/hardener

Lacqeur/solid colour..... 2 parts paint to 1 part hardener then 10% thinner.

Best bet is to buy a mixing stick with the paint as they usually have a 2:1 mixing ratio on one side and a 4:1 ratio on the other you cant go wrong then!

Nick.

[John]

Think i get it know, i'll leave the percentages out and use the parts method! Yep i'll add a mixing stick to the list!
Just to clarify then, no hardener is added to solvent based base coat?
I won't be using expensive paint, it's just the budget stuff the local suppliers use. Iirc it's lechler stuff, so i'm presuming it's all solvent based.
When you paint your xe rocker covers do you bare metal them nick? or just primer over what you have?
Thanks for all your help with this nick, it's very much appreciated!

[Nick J]

Think i get it know, i'll leave the percentages out and use the parts method! Yep i'll add a mixing stick to the list!
Just to clarify then, no hardener is added to solvent based base coat?
I won't be using expensive paint, it's just the budget stuff the local suppliers use. Iirc it's lechler stuff, so i'm presuming it's all solvent based.
When you paint your xe rocker covers do you bare metal them nick? or just primer over what you have?
Thanks for all your help with this nick, it's very much appreciated!


No worries John!

Lechler isnt bad tbh I used it years ago..... No hardener is used for basecoats just a thinner or some do call it activator but its not a hardener activator if you understand what I mean? If your rocker cover is in good order there is no need to bare metal it you can just prep it like a normal panel..... I only do this when there in poor condition etc , Nick

Ps: If its easier for you to take them parts I want from you to pvs then I think I will be attending?? Just an idea.

[John]

My rocker cover/ cam guard is fairly good apart from the fact that i used rattle cans to paint it in a hurry! I'm presuming i need to primer it in case of reaction.
I think i'll get some paint ordered tommorow, and have a go at the weekend now. I'll let you know how i get on!
No worries over the parts nick, yep i can take them to pvs no probs, i have some other stuff to take for other members as well. Pm me your mobile nearer the time and we'll meet up on the day.

[davehaynes]

i would always use etch primer no matter what guarantees you have about primer/high build primer having weather proof quialities, not worth it if your serious about doing a good job.
hardner isn't needed for solvent based paint as it dries by solvent evaporation
also always filter all paints, primer, base, lacquer, EVERYTHING

[Nick J]

My rocker cover/ cam guard is fairly good apart from the fact that i used rattle cans to paint it in a hurry! I'm presuming i need to primer it in case of reaction.
I think i'll get some paint ordered tommorow, and have a go at the weekend now. I'll let you know how i get on!
No worries over the parts nick, yep i can take them to pvs no probs, i have some other stuff to take for other members as well. Pm me your mobile nearer the time and we'll meet up on the day.

you can prime it John however it may be a process you dont need to do though? rattle cans will be solvent based and If your putting solvent on solvent you may find you have no worries however priming is a safe bet! Its up to you! practice on the cam cover first as their easier! cheers regarding the parts I'll pm my number nearer the time, Nick.