Panel painting question

TullyK · Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 1:43 am Post subject: Panel painting question

Could someone please point me in the right direction. I've got a panel from a breaker to replace a rusty one, but it's a different colour. I'd like to try using the spray tool that came with my compressor. To clarify I'm not looking for advice on how my compressor probably won't have a high enough cfm or how to actually apply the paint. I'd like to know what paint to use, and how to prepare the panel. Will sanding the current finish and applying the new paint directly over be sufficient? If it makes a difference, the old colour is light blue and I'll be painting it white.

Thanks in advance for any help

teamidris · Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 7:05 am Post subject:

It needs keying with fine wet abrasive paper to re-energise the blue paint and form a better bond. Then use white primer to cover the blue. Let it go hard and go in with the fine wet abrasive again to flat off. Clean and dry, and go for the white top coat. The water stops the paper binding up.

TullyK · Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 11:27 am Post subject:

OK great thanks, roughly what grade sand paper grade would you recommend? Around 800?

I'm still clueless on where to get the top coat paint, everything I can find is in spray cans...

Thanks

Xpajun · Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 11:44 am Post subject:

TullyK · Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 12:09 pm Post subject:

Unfortunately I'm the other end of Cornwall, thanks though. I'm guessing Halfords paint won't be up to much?

scrunt · Posted: Sun Jun 23, 2013 2:07 pm Post subject:

What panel are you painting.

You can use Rattle cans if you have an idea what you are doing.
I would go to a Local Motor Factor that does Paint Mixing to get what you need. (Spray cans)
If Halfords have the Colour there is not much wrong with their paints,
primers, filler primers etc.
but if its Special Order paint to match your White for a Suzuki,
it is as well to get it from A Local Place that can mix more if required.

You can get a good result,
Good preperation, seal the blue with white primer, cut back, spray the colour coat, cut back.
By then you should be able to spray a good top coat.
Cut back and do again if not good enough.

but have you just asked a Local Paint Sprayer or Body shop what they will take to spray the panel for you?

george

TullyK · Posted: Sun Jun 23, 2013 2:33 pm Post subject:

Hi Scrunt, thanks for your tips. It's the O/S front wing from my Sportrak.

I really want to have a go at doing this myself, and with the spray gun. There's no way I'll get as good a finish as a shop and it's cost me as much as I'd been quoted, to get hold of the paint, thinners and primer. I've also bought a filter/regulator for my compressor.
I'll pick up some 600 and 800 grit wet & dry from town.

This isn't just about changing the colour of the panel, I'm hoping to learn and increase my selection of materials and equipment in the process. I'll follow the steps you guys have given, do some reading on spray technique, and maybe post a picture once it's done.

Thanks again.

teamidris · Posted: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:52 pm Post subject:

For abrasive paper I recon fine as you can buy is rougher than you need when we are talking molecular attraction Very Happy

Technically you are removing any dirt and oxidised paint, while increasing the surface area with bumps.

You'll get a top notch finish, but not as quickly as a paint shop Cool

Put down plenty of paint-depth in layers, then wet sand it back. Then power mop it to a shiny finish.
For the Zen, think more like; 'getting it wrong and putting it right', rather than spraying on a mirror finish first time. Seems wrong to spray on paint and then strip half of it back off, but if it does the job then you're on!

No idea on paint types? Never used water based. I like 2 pack even if it is a bit naughty these days. But it is fast and builds up well. Ask in a paint shop I guess?

TullyK · Posted: Sun Jun 23, 2013 7:37 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the encouragement. I've ordered cellulose car paint.

scrunt · Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 6:53 am Post subject:

Cellulose is easy to work with, and very forgiving.
(Practice on an old panel getting the top coats on,
and if you need lacquer in the final colour coat.

There is great advice above about preparation, finish etc.
Idea

Highly Polished panels are great, on a Highly Polished car.

Matching the rest of the car is the usual requirement when doing a repair or replacement panel.
So you prepare well, then paint to a matching colour and finish.
(the aim is a matching colour and finish, depth of paint etc,
ie a wing that is finished like a Suzuki original not an Aston Martin finish.)

Good to replace a rusty wing, but do not go for an amazing shiny wing unless you are polishing the rest of the car to an amazing shiny finish. Wink

george