experimenting with Krylon H20

[rkubik]

Don't know how this will turn out, but I bought a couple of cans of this water-based spray paint. Technical guy claims it's more weather- and chip- resistant than their solvent formulations, and does not need a clear coat. I'm going to try it on my spare tank.

Sure does give a shiny smooth finish in some tests on a tin can. No smell, either, very handy for me living in a condo with no workshop anymore.

One lesson - it does need a whole lotta shakin' to get a fine spray, much more than solvent-based cans.

Next up - let it cure for a week, then test fuel resistance to a few drops spilled on it, then wiped off to simulate use on a fuel tank.

More later

[chiphead]

Please keep us posted on this.
Thanks.

[mf70]

Any results on gas resistance?

[Billy Ricks]

What self-respecting paint salesman would sell you latex paint for a gas tank? Sounds like Home Depot or Sherwin-Williams. He should be shot.

[Calvin Blackmore]

Shot? a bit extreme...........maybe a severe beating for starters then shooting if that doesn't take?

[Billy Ricks]

Shot? a bit extreme...........

Maybe shot with a coat of epoxy so he learns not to give such bad advice.

[Mark M]

What self-respecting paint salesman would sell you latex paint for a gas tank? Sounds like Home Depot or Sherwin-Williams. He should be shot.

Careful, Billy. I fly R/C aircraft as another hobby and latex paints are 100% fuel proof for gasoline engines. Maybe not that durable (not like a 2 part epoxy or urethane), but gas does NOT touch them.

Mark

[gsgeezer]

These new water based paints that eastwood sells for custom paint work are fuel resistant. They are sold for air brushing, but you could do a whole tank, of course, with them.

[Billy Ricks]

We're starting to get into some specialty paints though. I seriously doubt Krylon rattle can latex is going to take the kind of abuse a motorcycle will dish out. With a solvent based primer underneath it will probably look decent for the short term. Long term though there will be stains that won't come out. I wonder if the stuff can be waxed to protect against bird droppings and such?

[Mark M]

Billy,

It can be cleared just like most any other paints, but it is not as tough as an epoxy or urethane, as I mentioned. Some of the model aircraft guys use water based stuff for the color coats and clear with a urethane, which gives the toughness and allows the easy working with the latex for all the color work. Given the way environmental regs go, eventually we will have nothing but water based paints to work with.

Mark