Welp.. I learned a few things today.. one of which was NOT to take the
frame to a body shop to get painted.. I will be okay doing it myself. I put
the first coating on today after doing a thorough cleaning. I had never
handled a paint sprayer before and was very worried, but soon discovered its
really about the same as an aerosol can only smoother and easier to control.
In researching for this big event, I ended up at Sherwin Williams Automotive
Paints in Wichita. They were the most helpful of all the auto paint shops in
the area so I wanted to reward them with my business. (or penalize them with
all my stupid questions!)
Anyhow, it was decided that I would go with a gallon of metal cleaner to
wipe on the frame first to remove all grease and residual welding dust
followed by 3 coats of 980 Etching Filler/Primer (981 Reducer). After 24
hours, I can sand this layer with 320 grit sandpaper. This stuff is Mil-Spec
and is that crappy green color I saw a gazillion times on USAF aircraft
during their painting process. After the 980, I will apply PSE4601 Black
Epoxy Primer (PSH4605 Epoxy Activator) in another 3 coats and sand with 320
grit sandpaper. After that, 1738 Urethane Satin Black with US-3 Reducer and
SSH520 Hardener.
I did okay today, but not all that great. Wife thinks I am too hard on
myself, but I got a LOT of runs in the first coating. It took a full 2
quarts (4 quarts mixed) to coat the frame properly. Frames are a pain to
paint. They have too many nooks and crannies and no matter how hard I tried,
I got runs all over the place. Maybe I was too impatient, or am missing a
talent, but to get into channels, around rivets, into very tight places is
not an easy task. Good news is the 980 is sandable after 24 hours cure time
and I will get all the runs out of it.. BAD news is, when I get to the top
coating stage how the heck am I gonna keep it from running?
Frame looks great with that ugly green on it. I was surprised at another
aspect.. I was too worried about the sandblasting pits ruining the look of
the finished product. This 980 looks very nice and smooth and once I have
lightly sanded it, there will be no evidence of sandblasting at all. Its all
a matter of putting enough coats on the frame and taking your time about
detailing it.
My biggest worry now is the top coat as I am a real rookie with this paint
sprayer. I will probably put the epoxy primer on - on Friday and then the
top coat on early next week. I am taking my time so I can sand it properly
before proceeding. Anyone have anything to say about how I am doing this
speak now! I need all the tips and tricks I can get! Thanks to everyone
again for all the insight. Gotta love this list!
Deve
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
|