Painting the T

[Spyder]

So, I've prepped, primed, and applied my base coats. Getting ready to apply 2k clear coat. Any last minute tips from people that have used it before? Some do's, some don'ts? Just thought I'd ask before taking the plunge.

Thanks in advanced...

[spyug]

Make sure the "tins" are thoroughly clean, any residue, especially oils from your hands can ruin the paint. Wear rubber or vynil gloves and wipe everything down with thinners.

When painting wear your protective gear. A good paint rated filter mask and googles.

Try and paint in an area that is free of dust and dirt and away from flying insects. Obviously don't paint outside on windy days and try and get a day with relative humidity under 50%.

Have everything set to go before you mix the paint. You may need to make stands to set the pieces on and to allow you to move things around. Make sure the pieces are firmly attached. Nothing worse than shooting some paint and the damn thing drops in the dirt.

Read the paint supplier's direction sheet for the product and follow it closely. Clean you gun right after use.

Try to have the paint lay down with a wet look but not so wet as to run. If it runs let it dry, sand off and redo.

Think it all through before you pull the trigger and don't allow any pets or kids in the workspace. Paint spray can cause serious health problems.

Have fun with it.

cheers, good luck and lets see what you can do,
Spyug

[Spyder]

Thanks spyug... Appreciate all of the insight. I have pretty much all of those bases covered. I have my tank both side covers and my front fender to shoot. How far can I expect each can of SprayMax 2k clear to cover?

[Nessism]

I prep for paint with simple soap and water (diluted Simple Green works well). If you use thinner it won't remove the crud as well, plus you risk damaging the base coat, although wax and grease remover is ok. After everything is dry, and just before you shoot the clear, I wash my hands to remove all remnants of dirt and oils, then use them like a tack rag. Use a light touch and wipe them clean with each pass. A professional painter friend of mine taught me that trick and it works great.

When spraying clear you want to lay down a couple light coats first, allowing the first to flash off before applying the next, followed by a heavier coat, maybe two if you have enough paint. The first couple of light coats will keep the heavier coat from sagging. If you keep your last coats too thin they will go on dry and look all orangepeely.

Good luck

[Spyder]

Thanks for the tip Ed. Will one can coat everything? I do have 2 cans.

[Nessism]

Thanks for the tip Ed. Will one can coat everything? I do have 2 cans.

I've never used cans so sorry, can't help you.

[Spyder]

Thanks again Ed. I'm going out to shoot in a little bit.

[Spyder]

Not thrilled with the results, but it will be fine until the next one. This one was kind of a practice run for me.




More pictures tomorrow after I put her back together. I'm going to give it a week before I wet sand and buff.

[nvr2old]

What's not to like? Looks like it went on pretty good to me. How many coats of clear did you get?

[Spyder]

The clear went really smooth. Excellent product, really nice spray pattern from the can.

I got one side cover shy of 2 coats from one can. So I ended up doing 3 coats total.

I got a little running on the side of one of my side covers (not a big deal since you can hardly see it) but should clean up with a light wet sand. I wasn't thrilled with the base coat results. This was my practice run paint job though. kind of product testing...

All in all, it will look good for a while until I decide to do it again...

[GateKeeper]

Looking good....

Can I ask, what is the cost on the primer, paint, and clear, per can, or a total cost, and what do you figure it will cost you all said and done ?

I paid 400 to have my tins done by a shop, this included minor fixing of all the parts that needed any work, sanding, primer, paint, and clear coat.

Cheers

[Spyder]

I have about 60.00 into the whole job. I didn't do any patching or filling though, so add maybe another 25.00 for some bondo.

[GateKeeper]

I have about 60.00 into the whole job. I didn't do any patching or filling though, so add maybe another 25.00 for some bondo.

Sweet......

A 1/4 of the price, and the satisfaction of doing it on your own....

.

[Flyboy]

I agree with Larry, looks pretty nice to me.
Not that I know anything about painting, but that remark coming from Larry is a huge compliment.
Be sure to post when she is buffed and polished, good work there.

[Spyder]

Will post a few pics later tonight when I get her back together. I also re did my badges too. Can't wait to get off work to see how she looks!