PAINTING TIPS:
Sanding:
How Does Sandpaper Work?
--"Sandpaper works a lot like a saw, chisel, or any other cutting tool in your shop. The particles on sandpaper are made up from a number of sharp edges that cut the wood the same way a saw blade does. The only real difference is that sandpaper, unlike your saw, can’t be sharpened."
--When sanding, start at a low grit sandpaper and work your way up to a finer grit. Doing this will get you the best surface possible.
--When sanding plastics or doing body work, don't use lower than 220 grit. Low grit sandpapers will scratch and put grooves into the surface that will be extremely hard to get out.
GRIT OPTIONS:
(HEAVY GRIT)
0-36______Extra Coarse
40-50_____Coarse
60-80_____Medium
100-120___Fine
150-220___Very Fine
(FINE GRIT)
240-360___Very Fine
400-600___Extra Fine
800-1200__Super Fine
1500+_____Ultra Fine
Select certain grit sandpaper to your advantage. Using every single grit available doesn't make the process faster.
personal favorites: 80,120,220,320,600,800,1000
--WET SANDING
The term “wet sanding” is just that. The panel you are working on is lubricated with water as well as the paper itself. This method can be used between coats of paint, or on your final clearcoat. The most popular and common papers to use are 1500 and 2000 grit.
Why would wet sanding be necessary?
--"Sometimes during painting, dust or other particles will stick to the surface and create bumps in the paint. Wet sanding will remove all paint imperfections including scratches and blemishes."
**READ** Wet sanding is only necessary if you want a perfect paintjob. If you follow all the steps in cleanliness and ventilation, wet sanding can be a waste of time.
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Primer:
Why should I use primer?
--"Primer is a pre-coating put on materials before painting. Priming ensures better adhesion of paint to the surface, increases paint durability, and provides additional protection for the material being painted."
--Priming is mandatory if painted material is not water resistant and will be exposed to the elements. Priming is also a good idea if a material is dirty and for some reason cannot be cleaned, or when painting light colors over existing dark colors. Primer and paint form a chemical reaction that allows the paint to adhere much better than if paint were used alone.
PRIMER OPTIONS:
Sandable primer / Universal primer, great for sanding. example: (great for painting anything; this primer sands very easily)
Filler primer / Universal primer, used for porous materials. Ideal for wood and fiberglass. example: (definitely needed when using Bondo, this primer helps fill in scratches)
Self-etching primer / Ideal for most plastic, fiberglass, bare steel, aluminum, and stainless steel materials. example: (great primer for any metal parts such as wheels)
Primer sealer / Ideal for maximum corrosion resistance and bonding of basecoat colors. example: (great for keeping corrosion down)
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Painting:
How to get the best results.
--Always read specific can instructions to achieve maximum results.
--Paint in good weather only.
• 55° to 75° F is ideal; 40 to 60% relative humidity is recommended
• Avoid direct sunlight and hot, humid weather.
--A smooth, even application is important. Follow these tips for success:
• Use an even, side-to-side motion with each pass beginning and ending beyond the edge of the object.
--Take your time!
• Use 3 light coats vs. one thick coat.
--Avoid over spraying!
• Mask exposed areas with tape or drop cloths.
--Ensure adequate ventilation!
PAINT BRANDS:
Dupli-Color
Krylon
Rust-Oleum
personal favorite: Dupli-Color truck/van/suv
**READ** When using primer and paint, use the same brand for all steps! This is a huge part in making sure your finish product turns out good. When you mix brands between primer, paint and clear coat; you could run the risk of getting cracks or blisters in your paint!
Sanding:
How Does Sandpaper Work?
--"Sandpaper works a lot like a saw, chisel, or any other cutting tool in your shop. The particles on sandpaper are made up from a number of sharp edges that cut the wood the same way a saw blade does. The only real difference is that sandpaper, unlike your saw, can’t be sharpened."
--When sanding, start at a low grit sandpaper and work your way up to a finer grit. Doing this will get you the best surface possible.
--When sanding plastics or doing body work, don't use lower than 220 grit. Low grit sandpapers will scratch and put grooves into the surface that will be extremely hard to get out.
GRIT OPTIONS:
(HEAVY GRIT)
0-36______Extra Coarse
40-50_____Coarse
60-80_____Medium
100-120___Fine
150-220___Very Fine
(FINE GRIT)
240-360___Very Fine
400-600___Extra Fine
800-1200__Super Fine
1500+_____Ultra Fine
Select certain grit sandpaper to your advantage. Using every single grit available doesn't make the process faster.
personal favorites: 80,120,220,320,600,800,1000
--WET SANDING
The term “wet sanding” is just that. The panel you are working on is lubricated with water as well as the paper itself. This method can be used between coats of paint, or on your final clearcoat. The most popular and common papers to use are 1500 and 2000 grit.
Why would wet sanding be necessary?
--"Sometimes during painting, dust or other particles will stick to the surface and create bumps in the paint. Wet sanding will remove all paint imperfections including scratches and blemishes."
**READ** Wet sanding is only necessary if you want a perfect paintjob. If you follow all the steps in cleanliness and ventilation, wet sanding can be a waste of time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Primer:
Why should I use primer?
--"Primer is a pre-coating put on materials before painting. Priming ensures better adhesion of paint to the surface, increases paint durability, and provides additional protection for the material being painted."
--Priming is mandatory if painted material is not water resistant and will be exposed to the elements. Priming is also a good idea if a material is dirty and for some reason cannot be cleaned, or when painting light colors over existing dark colors. Primer and paint form a chemical reaction that allows the paint to adhere much better than if paint were used alone.
PRIMER OPTIONS:
Sandable primer / Universal primer, great for sanding. example: (great for painting anything; this primer sands very easily)
Filler primer / Universal primer, used for porous materials. Ideal for wood and fiberglass. example: (definitely needed when using Bondo, this primer helps fill in scratches)
Self-etching primer / Ideal for most plastic, fiberglass, bare steel, aluminum, and stainless steel materials. example: (great primer for any metal parts such as wheels)
Primer sealer / Ideal for maximum corrosion resistance and bonding of basecoat colors. example: (great for keeping corrosion down)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Painting:
How to get the best results.
--Always read specific can instructions to achieve maximum results.
--Paint in good weather only.
• 55° to 75° F is ideal; 40 to 60% relative humidity is recommended
• Avoid direct sunlight and hot, humid weather.
--A smooth, even application is important. Follow these tips for success:
• Use an even, side-to-side motion with each pass beginning and ending beyond the edge of the object.
--Take your time!
• Use 3 light coats vs. one thick coat.
--Avoid over spraying!
• Mask exposed areas with tape or drop cloths.
--Ensure adequate ventilation!
PAINT BRANDS:
Dupli-Color
Krylon
Rust-Oleum
personal favorite: Dupli-Color truck/van/suv
**READ** When using primer and paint, use the same brand for all steps! This is a huge part in making sure your finish product turns out good. When you mix brands between primer, paint and clear coat; you could run the risk of getting cracks or blisters in your paint!
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