My very own paint thread

[Adler]

I think its finally time to tackle the paint on my project, I have been avoiding this for many months.

For now I am still picking the paints I will use. I was thinking of going Rustoleum and 2k clear but I am very much so a newbie and I dont know much about types of paint (yes, I know there are about a thousand threads on this topic, bear with me, there is a lot of information to absorb). I went to my local hardware store and it seems that most cans dont even say what kind of paint it is.

I primed the tank with this stuff many months ago...

I don't even know what kind of primer it is and I cant find the MSDS for it. Was that a huge mistake?

 

[spyug]

Do not panic. That primer will work fine. As to paint just avoid lacquers. Get some good old enamel in Rustoleum or whatever you local hardware store carries ( its all enamel or derivatives). Two part clear will go over it no problem.

The big thing about painting is, as you know, preparation. If the substrata is pooched the finish coat will look like poo. To get a good finish the paint has to go on to a "wet" appearance but not wet enough to run. If it does run, sand it out and shoot again.

When painting its best to wear latex or vynil gloves to keep the oils from your hands touching the surfaces. Oil will contaminate the paint. Before laying on the paint its always good to wipe everything down with mineral spirits or paint thinners ( but not acetone as that will lift the primer) and let it dry ( 10 or 15 minutes).

Obviously paint in a well ventilated and dust free area and get a good respirator to wear, those paper masks are useless really.

Its not hard just take your time.

Now show us what you can do.

Cheers,
spyug

 

[Adler]

Thanks for the encouragement Spyug.

Does anyone have any comments on the Rustoleum "Painter Touch" brand? Or the "Painters Touch Ultra Cover 2x" brand? That's what my local Home Depot seems to carry.

Here are some pictures of my tank over the course of its life just to get this thread up to date.

When I got it...

Po

Pop goes the dent!

Goodbye paint, hello Bondo

Still need to get a shot with the primer on, Ill update this post when I get one.
EDIT: Just skipped out and took some shots with the primer on. The texture is a little different in different areas because I tried wet sanding in some places. Also, it has a few scratches from being moved around. I am considering sanding a little and doing another coat before I do the colour coat.

 

[BigD_83]

Thanks for the encouragement Spyug.

Does anyone have any comments on the Rustoleum "Painter Touch" brand? Or the "Painters Touch Ultra Cover 2x" brand? That's what my local Home Depot seems to carry.

Here are some pictures of my tank over the course of its life just to get this thread up to date.

When I got it...

Po

Pop goes the dent!

Goodbye paint, hello Bondo

Still need to get a shot with the primer on, Ill update this post when I get one.

How did you get that dent out? Nicely done.

 

[Adler]

How did you get that dent out? Nicely done.

I used some extremely advanced technology...

 

[BigD_83]

Right. I recognize that tool from a previous thread, just hadn't thought about it being one of yours. Been meaning to try something like that on the self-imposed dent on the crown of my tank.

 

[7981GS]

I used some extremely advanced technology...

Great idea to use some heated/bent re-bar!
I might have to steal that idea in the future.

Eric

 

[ndaugbjerg]

Adler,
I shot my alloy wheels (last weekend) with the Painters Touch, Satin Black. I taped the outer edges and sprayed all of the spokes. Then, as per instructions from another forum member, I cleaned the top of the spokes with a single edge razor blade. I cleaned the first wheel Sunday night and it was pretty aesy. Last night I did the other (paint must have been pretty well cured) and it was like skinning a rhino with your Swiss Army knife. Just remember, the devil is in the details. Get it really clean and degreased and use a couple of coats of good primer.
Niels

 

[Adler]

So I guess Ill be using the "Painters Touch" stuff.

Do you guys think this will be adequate protection? Its what I have on hand...

 

[tkent02]

Yeah and you can chase the neighbor's dog and kids around and scare the heck out of them too.

 

[noshock]

"Painter Touch" brand? Or the "Painters Touch Ultra Cover 2x" brand?"

I have used them on a couple of projects. I am a complete novice and result were ok(due to my skill level). Tough paint, nice glossy finish. Also used their primer

from this

to this

painted bags and rear cowl to match bike.

 

[Adler]

"Painter Touch" brand? Or the "Painters Touch Ultra Cover 2x" brand?"

I have used them on a couple of projects. I am a complete novice and result were ok(due to my skill level). Tough paint, nice glossy finish. Also used their primer

from this

to this

painted bags and rear cowl to match bike.

Which one did you use?
"Painters Touch" or the "2x"

 

[Crazy_Russian]

lol, i have one of those, except with a hose at the end and from the USSR time frame, it scares the crap out of ppl :twistedevil:

So I guess Ill be using the "Painters Touch" stuff.

Do you guys think this will be adequate protection? Its what I have on hand...

 

[noshock]

Used the 2x for primer

and the "painters touch" (apple red no clear applied)

 

[Adler]

Finally got around to spraying today. Went a little too heavy and got some runs so I will wait 24 hours, sand that area and respray. Other than that it looks pretty amazing.

 

[Adler]

Here is a shot after 20ish hours of drying. Im not too happy with it so far. The black looks quite grey, hopefully it will improve after more coats.

Here are the runs that need to be sanded. Its still a little tacky, so Ill wait awhile longer before sanding.

 

[Adler]

I believe it got better with time...

I sanded off the ripples and exposed a little bare metal, is that going to be a serious problem?

 

[nvr2old]

Just dust the bare metal with a little primer, otherwise the paint will not stick to it.

 

[MisterCinders]

Just dust the bare metal with a little primer, otherwise the paint will not stick to it.

I'd also sand out the bare metal patches a bit first to feather in the new primer and paint.

If the bare spots are especially visible (like on top), you should weigh spot priming against stripping and re-painting. Spot primed areas never seem to blend back into the rest of the piece.

Ask me how I know . . .

 

[nvr2old]

I'd also sand out the bare metal patches a bit first to feather in the new primer and paint.

If the bare spots are especially visible (like on top), you should weigh spot priming against stripping and re-painting. Spot primed areas never seem to blend back into the rest of the piece.

Ask me how I know . . .

No offense, but just misting a little primer over the bare metal should be just fine. All you're doing is putting a thin barrier between the metal and new base coats. No need to feather it back farther, or especially strip and re-do it..sheesh. As long as all the materials you're using are compatible together from the start, you shouldn't have any problems.