First playfield clear coat (2K)

[MartyJ]

Hi guys,

Well my FH playfield is a donar as a test for 2k clearing a PF.  Hopefully soon (next few weeks) the IPB ones will be ready to ship.

Basically I prepared the playfield as best as I could...Very light scuff with scotchbrite pad to ensure the clear had something to bite into.  I had previously cleaned the playfield with shellite and prepsol (to remove wax etc).  I gave it its first coat this morning.  It went down well except for a few areas which just turned to 'fish eyes'.  I suspect because the playfield was never mylared, the years of waxing must have soaked into the paint and contributed to the reaction.  Not a big drama, as this is what tests are for.  After seeking lots of advice from my spraypainter I'll move onto phase 2 which should eliminate the areas of concern once blocked and resprayed.

Being 2k, P3 mask, tyvek suit, googles and good airflow is a must. 

Couple of photos of the 'ok' bits...I will post more during the week and hopefully show the before / afters of the fish-eye areas.

Keep in mind this is straight off the gun and a complete amature controlling it!

[Strangeways]

I think it looks great so far Marty !

Are you spraying it at your panel beater's place, or at home ?

[MartyJ]

I think it looks great so far Marty !

Are you spraying it at your panel beater's place, or at home ?

AT home.  Not the most ideal but its only a very small amount of spraying so fumes / overspray don't go everywhere.  The 2k doesn't need to be baked so there is no issues in this weather.

I've only shown the 'ok' bits...The bad fish-eye bits are bad...But once blocked and resprayed should go down a lot better.

[beaky]

i love that shine
looking good

[ddstoys]

Looks good Marty. As for the fish eyes im not sure but with enamel and acrylic paint you can add some anti silon drops to the paint to stop the fish eye effect.   I alwasy added this when spraying cars just incase

[MartyJ]

I've been told I can add a couple of drops to the next coat of clear but the advice I've had is to block it and put next layer down and I'll see.  If it does the same then I'll definately need to get some additive!

[beaky]

so who sells 2k?
where can i buy a can?
please

[MartyJ]

Initial block and second coat applied.  The problem areas have improved 100% with second hit.  I've purposely sprayed this coat on nice and thick, so after cure and a really good sand I should be close to an almost level surface. 

Its hard to judge how I'm going as I've only ever seen after shots of the fantastic work the experts do in the US (ie HEP) and guys with decades of spraying experience.  BUT I'm feeling better about the second coat and soon I should be able to start some repairs...

[ddstoys]

Thats looking pretty good to me marty.   Another thing you can try to stop the fish eyes is a very fine dry coat first.  Hold the gun back further than normal and apply a few mist coats this means there isnt enough paint to move around the silicon and the second coat should be touching the silicon.    But that looks sweet anyway

[MartyJ]

so who sells 2k?
where can i buy a can?
please

You can buy 2k clear from most auto paint supplies.  I don't believe its available in a can but I've heard about the 1k clear / paint solutions but don't know how they'll stand up.

I bought just el cheapo 2k clear (2:1), standard hardner & 2k thinners (10%)...I've been lucky to borrow a mates big-arse compressor and his gun which I've been doing the work with.  2K paint is very toxic so P3 mask, tyvek suit and good airflow also a must....

I'm still learning and feeling my way with this.  Hoping for a good result which doesn't turn out too amature.

[MartyJ]

Thats looking pretty good to me marty.   Another thing you can try to stop the fish eyes is a very fine dry coat first.  Hold the gun back further than normal and apply a few mist coats this means there isnt enough paint to move around the silicon and the second coat should be touching the silicon.    But that looks sweet anyway

Thanks mate...I'm happy having a dip on this playfield and if it turns out good then I may keep it....I don't think I'd have the balls to do it on a good playfield...

I think the theory less is more...I'm not looking for a super thick coat (final that is) but flat is the key.  The 2k and hardner is pretty thin on its own....I've been told for extra shine I can use less thinners too.

[ddstoys]

Thats right marty less thinners means the paint takes longer to dry and has more time to smooth itself out

Did you level the playfield before painting?     I will unscrew one from the roof for a clearcoat one of these day shit they look good

[MartyJ]

The playfield was levelled!....As this one is a thicker coat I think it may take a little longer to dry too!.

[Strangeways]

Second pass looks much better Marty. What is the amount of time you waited in between coats ?

[MartyJ]

Second pass looks much better Marty. What is the amount of time you waited in between coats ?

Thanks Nino.  Getting there slowly.  But I must say I am really enjoying the process here.  It depends on the clear your're using re flash off time.

Tonight, blocked the previous nights work and laid down the insert decals.  They're not perfect but better than nothing.

Next coat went down and the inital problem areas are now non existant .

The shine is great and the actual playfield is well, almost flat.  For a complete newbie I'm very pleased with my results tonight.  After the next sand I will start to make repairs with the airbrush.