spraypainting clearcoat

[darkhalf]

hey just wondering if anyone on here has experience spraying clearcoat acrylic laquer?

i've got rear lights sprayed in metallic grey and sideskirts/front bumper in normal grey (both acrylic) and have sprayed about three coats of clear over the top

problem is that it a bit orange peel like and need to get that 'mirror finish' and have tried 1200 grit wet/dry which made it look speckled and cutting compound didn't work either

any advice what i should be doing?

thanks

matt

[predator]

From what I've played with (not on the car) It does tend to come out very thick and its hard to get a smooth and even finish.

Doesn't seem to apply that well to plastics unfortunately.

[darkhalf]

the bodykit parts were fibreglass and primed

.... and spraying clear over the top of previous coats which were smooth (wet/dry 1200 grit before applying clearcoat - except for the metallic because this will ruin the flakes).

i have tried to put it on fairly thick so i dont get overspray but still a bit orange peel and i dont know how to get it mirror finish looking if it is flat

[Zahos]

are you applying it right?

see the attached pic

point the gun / can slightly (about 30 degrees) into the direction you are spraying, and move across at a pace where you are applying just enough paint before it begins to run. This will ensure you dont get any overspray....

also make sure the area you are spraying in is well ventilated, so that any overspray floating around doesn't float onto the surface.

also other things to consider, is the surface clean of dirt, grease(most important), and dust?

if using a can make sure you shake VERY well, and the nozzle is clean.

if using a gun, make sure it is also clean, and that you have adjust paint / air mixtures well, and that the stream is not comming out too strong....

there are many factors invloved in spray painting....... cant realy diagnose the situation with seeing all equipment, etc...

Hope this helps

Zahos

[darkhalf]

zahos - thanks for the info. i'll try and get the spraying right - im using a gun and getting the right pressure (30 psi) and mixtures is difficult

im using wax & grease remover and making sure the surface is flat (1200 grit)

main thing is also what to do once the clear coat is applied (polishing etc)

matt

[Zahos]

Since it is not going to be sprayed in an oven, make sure you apply about 4 coats of clear (maybe 5). Once done, you will still have a little bit of orange peel effect.

Before polishing, get some cutting compound (this is a little rough, and may have some chunky bits inside). Dilute a small amount of this into water (mix well), then apply onto the sprayed area (not on the same day you spray as it will still be too soft). Once it has dried to a haze, buff it back. (It would be much better if you didn't do this by hand). Once you have buffed it back, it will look really dull, but dont worry, it's supossed to.

Next use a polish (not cut and polish, just polish). Repeat the same (maybe twice if needed), then wax it too. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but it is b/c you are not painting in an oven, where the temp is just right, and there are fans to suck all the overspray...

George

[darkhalf]

alright - i'll try about 4/5 coats of clear then and then cutting compound.

i've tried cutting polish before and it gets in the orange peel of the paint. thats when i eventually resort to wet 1200 grit to get it smooth, but that makes things worse

[Zahos]

if rubbing back for the final time, try 2000 or 3000 grit. 1200 is a bit rough for a final finish. make sure you keep it really wet too.... and always polish or way after rubbing back...

[darkhalf]

cheers thanks

[Zahos]

i meant wax, polish or wax.....

Thats how I've always done it, and my spray jobs have always come out perfect...

good luck