As always guys, thanks for the motivational words.
Strangeways, in regard to your question about using different paints, i would honestly recommend spending a little bit more and using either Jo Sonja or Atelier paints. They are a full pigment ink, which has not been thinned right down with other chemicals. Also, all colours appear to be used under licence by Chroma paint inc, which has been around for a long time. These paints will give you excellent colour, flow and adhesion to your painting surface (in our case, a fine grit sanded playfield). Highly recommended.
When it comes to 2pack clears and the like, i would DEFINETELY use only the recommended hardener and thinner specs found on the label of the tin. The 2 part sytems, although EXTRMELY effective, are also prone to a range of problems which will come at the result of any of the following points being overlooked...
- Poor surface preparation (prepsol and tackcloth)
- Correct use of flash off time in between coats (read 2pack clear label)
- Correct environment (Is there moisture in the air? Is it too hot/muggy? Or too cold?)
- Equipment properly cleaned and prepared (Gun kept clean, compressor free of moisture and water traps used both at the gun, and at the compressor tank)
And finally,
- Correct mixing of 2pack products and their associated chemicals/solvents such as thinners.
Pinnies4me, i dont know if that was a genuine offer or not, but i may as well let people know now.
I really dont want to cut anyones lunch - but since undertaking this restoration, i have been throwing around the idea of offering up a playfield refinishing service for forum members. I'm not to sure what interest it will spark, but at least the service will be available for people who require it. There will be much more info in the coming month, as i'm still building the site, but just a bit of a heads up.
I just blocked back yesterdays clear starting with 1500 -> working up to a 2000 grit wet/dry. Alhough i've have lost that vivid gloss for the moment, the clear is silky smooth, and after a cut in a couple of days - followed by a good polish and wax - it will all come back to life and give those Pinballs a nice surface to fly around on.
Ill be sure to keep you all updated, and again - thankyou everyone for your kind words and support.
el_timbo
