16 replies to this topic

[mk=john]

Hi

I just need some opinions about my next job on my mini. I always do this before I start any job on it.

The enamel paint on my engine rocker cover is flaking around the bottom.

I am soon going to be re-painting it, with Enamel supplied from Somerford Mini. It is the same paint as used before. In order so it doesnt flake, after I have taken the surfaces down, and cleaned it, should I use etching primer before applying the enamel? The enamel is in a spray can.

I know the rocker cover doesnt get very hot. Would self etching primer then be OK to use, and is it advisable?

Also, what is a suitable lacquer, and should I use that also? I just need to get the thing really shiny

Thanks

Edited by mk=john, 28 December 2006 - 12:38 AM.

[Retro_10s]

You could use an etch primer, but personally, I wouldn't.

I would just put the enamel striaght on, if you prime, you need to check how much temp the primer can stand up to..

Is the enamel matt finsh mate?>... I thought it would already be gloss.

[mk=john]

Hi
It is gloss on the rocker cover at the moment. I have exactly the same paint to go on. I will ovvioulsy remove the old paint, put it in my parts washer to clean all traces of oil, dust etc.

I suspect last time I painted it I didnt clean the surfaces properly. This time I hope it is better.
So, I wont use the etch then just apply the gloss enamel i n a few thin coats.

Sound OK to you?
Thanks

[Retro_10s]

hmmmm,.... i've been thinking about this and I think primer will fine, and it will let the paint sit much nicer on the rocker too....

but enamel can withstand high temps anyway... so if you did whack it on... it wont be a problem.

you could either whack thin coats on, flat it back and polish it back up... or put a thick coat on that will settle fairly smooth anyway! have you got two covers to trial perhaps?

[mk=john]

Hi
Thanks for that. I think what I will do, is put on a thin coat, then, wack a thicker coat on about an hour later. The first coat will still be a little tacky and should help prevent the paint running on the second coat.

I dont have any spare rocker covers unfortunately. Is there a special polish I can use for engine enamel? I will only polish it after waiting for at least a week for it to harden.

Edited by mk=john, 28 December 2006 - 10:03 PM.

[Retro_10s]

G3 should do the trick and then T-cut. It might need wet flatting before this though.

see what it's like when hardened.

[panelbeaterpeter]

Always use etch when painting over bare metal. It withstands high temperatures no problem too.

[mk=john]

What is G3, and where can I get hold of the stuff?

Thanks

[panelbeaterpeter]

What is G3, and where can I get hold of the stuff?

Thanks

G3 is a polishing compound made my a company called Farcela (pronounced Freckler) Try halfords.

[panelbeaterpeter]

What is G3, and where can I get hold of the stuff?

Thanks

G3 is a polishing compound made my a company called Farcela (pronounced Freckler) Try halfords.

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...1QQcmdZViewItem

[Tomf]

Is this G3 stuff basictly the same as T-cut or is it totally different. Why should you use G3?

[panelbeaterpeter]

Is this G3 stuff basictly the same as T-cut or is it totally different. Why should you use G3?

G3 is harsher than Tcut, which basically means the grains in it are bigger. It is mostly used by bodyshops to finish off paint jobs, to obtain a shiny flat finish. It's mainly used with an electric or air powered polisher with a foam head. It is very good stuff but it is quite easy to go through the paint when using it.

If you want to shine up/restore large areas of paint, use G3. If you just want to polish up small areas, use Tcut, unless there are deep scratches that Tcut will not remove. Even if you do use G3, its always a good idea to use Tcut after it, it is hardly ever just used on its own in the trade, we always go over the surface after with a finer polish called anti swirl, which removes any small scratches it may have left.

[Retro_10s]

And instead of T-cut..... try G10

[mk=john]

Hi Guys
I have now finished the rocker Cover. I didnt t-cut it or anything, just with the enamel managed to get a wet coat that didnt run. Here is the result in ther image.
IU am very happy with it, thanx 4 all your help.
Cheers

[Retro_10s]

VERY impressive...i like it.