Automotive Paint supplies

[turbo27]

I'm working on my IJ restore. Cabinet is repaired and sanded.

Which brand of automotive paint do people prefer to use, and where to buy?

Will a prime and filler, then acrylic top coat. Does anyone use a clear coat as well before decals? Or just stick with the clear coat on bolt heads and gun etc.

Thanks heaps

[Strangeways]

I use a local automotive paint supplier that is located in Melbourne. I use automotive acrylics. Prime and filler and then base coat. No clear.

[MartyJ]

I'm working on my IJ restore. Cabinet is repaired and sanded.

Which brand of automotive paint do people prefer to use, and where to buy?

Will a prime and filler, then acrylic top coat. Does anyone use a clear coat as well before decals? Or just stick with the clear coat on bolt heads and gun etc.

Thanks heaps

I use a high fill primer then base coat (black).  I generally then clear it, just to get that perfect glass like flat surface.  As the decals are well, pretty much stickers, the slightest imperfection can be seen.

If you're using an acrylic prime with a compatible acrylic top coat, there is no need for a clear unless its a high wear area thats not covered (ie stencils).  But in the home environment you should be fine without it.

As far as brands go, I would go to a proper automotive paint supplier (for acrylic).

Just make sure to have the correct safety equipment (masks) etc.

[turbo27]

Ok, went to a local Automotive paint supplier, very helpful. They mixed primer/filler and low gloss black into 1 litre cans. That was Thursday.

As I went to open the primer filler, the top of the can seemed a little raised, ie pressure inside.

This is what I found..... now I'm no expert, but even after 1:1 mix of thinners, and 15 mins of stirring, no way am I going to apply this.

It's like a thick curdled custard with bits in it.

And of course Saturday arvo and no one to ring....if I had a cat I would kick it

Surely this is not right!!!!

[MartyJ]

I take it you just bought acrylic ?

You've made the right call to hold off there.  I've seen that once with 2k product that was well past its shelf life.

I take it the high fill primer was not mixed, this was just a can off the shelf?  If so, I'd say yep its been opened and not sealed correctly and well past its date.

[turbo27]

The black acrylic was mixed, as it was done in front of me, but the primer/filler, I only saw the label being attached.

So....... maybe I'll just keep on sanding in the mean time!!!!

[Strangeways]

I take it you just bought acrylic ?

You've made the right call to hold off there.  I've seen that once with 2k product that was well past its shelf life.

I take it the high fill primer was not mixed, this was just a can off the shelf?  If so, I'd say yep its been opened and not sealed correctly and well past its date.

+1

That looks like dog poo to me.

[turbo27]

Paint returned, and replaced, including covering the wasted thinners.....give it to them for that.

But, even this mix still had lumps in it. It was decanted from a 4lt can into my 1lt can. It's not off the shelf pre-mixed stuff.

Thinned equal parts to thinners, but for the life of me could not get the lumps out.

It sprayed on OK-ish, but left the surface like a teenagers pimpled face. AT least me sands back ok.

Gun only blocked up once! Not sure if the pics show it that clearly.

Is this normal, or have I just got another can of 'poo'

Cheers

[Retropin]

It can be sanded smooth but in future when pouring into your spray gun can, pour through some muslin or an old pair of ladies tights. Youll find all automotive sprayers do this to ensure no lumps are present

[turbo27]

Nice tip, thanks

Should I do this with my gloss black as well?

[MartyJ]

Nice tip, thanks

Should I do this with my gloss black as well?

I buy the paper filters from my supplier.  Very very cheap.

Is it definitely1:1 mix.  Some primers are different...

Also what size tip are you using on the gun?

[turbo27]

Not sure about the tip size, guns are NOT professional quality.

Home handyman trying for a pro finish with cheap gear....if only $ were not an issue

[Sinbad79]

Dude, where in Adelaide are you getting this paint from?

[turbo27]

I'm not wanting to bag them, cause the staff have been very helpful

But... SA color in Edwardstown

Got my fingers crossed the semi gloss black acrylic will be brilliant  

[Sinbad79]

No, obviously no bagging. Their stuff should be fine, but next time do yourself a favour and go to protec.
Also, its worth noting that you should use a wood sealer underneath the primer so that you prevent the wood from drinking the primer. You'll get a better top coat finish this way with less paint.