Re: Slant Windshield Fordor

Posted by Mike Flanagan on December 11, 1997 at 20:36:51

In Reply to: Slant Windshield Fordor
posted by Bob Bidonde on December 11, 1997 at 06:29:21

Bob, the type of material you use to paint is dependant on your desires, uses for the car, pocketbook and who does the painting. If you are going to paint yourself and are a novice then lacquer is easy to apply, many thin coats then rub out. Drawbacks are hardness and checking. Meaning it is bad to chip and the thick surface is prone to crack. Sure is pretty when done correctly though.Enamel is ok for a novice but the hardners can be bad news. Good for show cars because the constant rubbing doesn't effect them badly but they too are prone to chip. I like to use enamel without a catalyst. If you aren't in a hurry to get another car into the booth who cares if it takes an extra hour or two to dry. Paint last thing in the day and turn the light off in the shop (leave the heat on) and the next morning it's set.
The others you mentioned are strictly for the pro and should not be considered for the novice. Some of them are toxic and all are expensive. If your pocketbook will stand it then go to a custom shop, take a chip from the paint book and turn 'em loose. Aircraft paint will last forever, about how long it will take to pay for it....
Most important is the prep. Color will cover noooothing! If you can feel it the color will see it. A squeegee (window cleaner) and water will help to locate imperfections on large flat surfaces. If you are trying your hand try first on a door or some other small surface. Use a dark color and very bright light so you can see the surface and what the paint is doing. If you get a run or sag don't panic. Continue on and when you are done return to the imperfection and add a little material over the top in an area around the imperfection so you can blend the sag out with fine paper. Make sure the primer is completely dry. If you can smell the thinner it needs to set awhile. Stay away from spot putty but if you do use make sure to let this stuff cure a loooong time. It is bad to shrink under the color and pop goes the color when you least expect it.
God Speed Under 50 and Merry Christmas.
The Model A Fool.
: I have stripped my Victoria to bare metal and I am considering various paint systems for it, such as acrylic lacquer, acrylic enamel with hardener, base coat - clear coat, urethane and epoxy systems. Assuming I can get original Model Acolors in any of these systems, which do you think is the type of paint system to use?

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