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[Note: The Perfect Paint Job is how
the Blackened Mustang, Y1 Mail Order Camaro, Y1 '66 Mustang, and Y1
RedRunner on the
cover of our
catalog were painted along with countless other show
vehicles.]
The Perfect
Paint Job
December 2009
Our goal is to accomplish a
paint job that with a strong foundation with a maximum gloss that will
last for many years. This type of painting is
not practical for the
everyday production body shop
but it will serve you when you do your next restoration or a street rod
job. We are going with the assumption that the metal or fiberglass has
been stripped of all paint.
All bare metals and aluminum
should have 80 grit DA scratches.
Bare metal is always best
cleaned with #700-1 Waterborne Wax and Grease Remover then let it set
30-60 minutes before applying the epoxy!
After first reading our
Epoxy Tech Sheet mix enough #6600 series epoxy to spray two wet coats
over the entire car. Spray one wet coat and let flash about 30 minutes
then apply a second wet coat. Let the epoxy set overnight then apply
body filler, fiberglass filler or glazing putty over the epoxy. It is
not necessary to
sand the epoxy before applying the fillers
as they will bite into the epoxy and feather great. When you have
finished sanding all of the bodywork you are likely to have some bare
metal spots from sanding. Spray one wet coat of epoxy over all filler
spots and over any bare metal spots. Now let the vehicle set overnight.
The next day you can start
spraying the 2K Primer over the epoxy. Once again, it is
not necessary to scuff or sand the
epoxy before applying primer. The most important thing to
remember at this point is spray one wet coat of primer and let it set
for 30 minutes before applying the second coat. Follow this procedure
between coats of 2K Primer. This step when abused messes up more paint
finishes than anything else!
When all of the primer
blocking and any necessary primer repairs are finished it’s always best
to use the epoxy as a sealer. Mix up enough epoxy to go around the car
with one wet coat and adding a double shot glass of SPI #885 Urethane
Reducer per quart. Let the epoxy set for 30 minutes. Stir one more time
and strain. Spray one full wet coat of epoxy over the entire car. The
epoxy should set for 2 hours before spraying basecoat or the next option
is let it set over night and wet sand the epoxy with 400-800 then spray
the base.
Next to rushing the 2K
Primer rushing the basecoat is the second cause for the final gloss and
depth of a paint job to look bad. It’s very important use the slowest
urethane reducer in your basecoat that you can get away with regardless
of outside temperature. Just allow enough extra time for the basecoat
to flash off and dry. The difference between a very slow grade and
medium grade reducer will show up in the final gloss. The slower grade
reducer also has better solvency and will give you far better adhesion.
Spray the first coat and let it totally dry before spraying the second
coat. It’s best to wait 30-45 minutes between coats of base.
Option if your basecoat
isn’t perfect:
After two
coats of base the vehicle should set overnight then do any minor wet
sanding with 800-1500 grit sandpaper to remove any orange peel or trash.
Apply the next two coats with 45 minutes of flash time in between
coats. Some colors will require additional coats. If this is the case,
again, wait 45 minutes between coats.
Let the
basecoat set overnight.
A word
of caution is there are 2-4 basecoats types that cannot be sanded or you
will lose adhesion so avoid those basecoats. Check with your basecoat
manufacturer.
Applying Clear:
The
following day tack off the vehicle then apply a wet coat of SPI
Universal Clear or SPI MS Clear and let the first coat of clear set 30
minutes.
Spray the second wet coat of
clear and let it set 30 minutes. Let the clear set for 30 minutes
before apply the fourth coat as well.
Then proceed with normal wet
sanding and buffing when you are ready.
Option number 2:
From two
days to two weeks after the job has been completed, wet sand the clear
with 400-800 grit sandpaper to block out any orange peel or dirt. After
wet sanding let the car set in sun for a day before remasking and
degreasing then apply a wet coat of clear. Let the clear flash 30
minutes. Apply a second coat of clear, then 30 minutes later come back
with a third coat of clear.
Let the vehicle set two or
three days in the sun to help to get all of the solvents out and settle
the paint job. If any wet sanding is required before buffing sand with
1500 grit sandpaper then set the vehicle in sun for two to three hours.
Bring the car back into the shop and allow it cool to room temperature
then buff.
If you follow these
directions you will have a durable long lasting paint job with maximum
depth and gloss over a solid foundation.
Never
wax a paint job applied this way for at least 90 days. This also depends
on the amount of sunlight the car has been exposed to in the meantime so
feel free to call for advice.
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