25 replies to this topic

[Mini_Alex]

I'm currently spraying the front of my Mini in cellulose and I am finding that the paint is lacking a shine. I 1200 wet and dry with soap between every two coats.

I started off with 75% Paint then 25% Celly Thinners, then i moved on to 50/50 paint/celly thinners and i'm now down to 25% paint 75% thinners which is improving the shine slightly but I'm guessing the real shine will come from the final flattening and polishing?

 

Also I'm spraying in warm weather and in the garage.

 

Any Tips?

 

Thanks

Alex

[AVV IT]

Sounds like you're doing the right thing, increasing the ratio of thinners is the way to get more shine, but obviously the more you use, the greater the risk of paint runs is going to be. You're also correct in that the main shine will come later when you flat back and polish.

The only tip I would add for a DIY garage respray is to avoid spraying in the early morning and evening when the air is more humid. You will generally find that you get the best results in the middle of the day, when the air is at its driest.

[Mini_Alex]

Thanks for the tip!, will bare that in mind 

 

Will be nice to have some fresh paint work!

[cal844]

50/50 ratio will suffice. i take it it is just direct gloss(no laquer)?

[Mini_Alex]

50/50 ratio will suffice. i take it it is just direct gloss(no laquer)?

...................................................

Yes just direct gloss.

[midridge2]

As asked, is it a gloss or a base coat celly? if gloss paint, there is no need to flat every 2 coats unless you have dirt in.
A 50/50 mix is what you need and put about 4 coats on then another coat at 75% thinners and if you feel confident a final coat at 90% thinners.  



reason for edit, put paint instead of thinners for mix, sorry.

Edited by midridge2, 03 May 2013 - 01:37 PM.

[AVV IT]

As asked, is it a gloss or a base coat celly? if gloss paint, there is no need to flat every 2 coats unless you have dirt in.
A 50/50 mix is what you need and put about 4 coats on then another coat at 75% paint and if you feel confident a final coat at 90%paint.  

 

Sorry do you mean another coat at 75% THINNERS and if you feel confident then a final coat of 90% THINNERS?........ Surely 75% - 90% PAINT would actually clog/bock the gun?

[Jase]

I think it's thinners. I bought a mop from MM a couple of years ago. fantastic for shinning up celly.

[AVV IT]

A mop?

 

[sonikk4]

When its all done flat back with 2000 wet and dry then mop up to a nice shine. I would give AVV IT's Mop a miss though     

[AVV IT]

 I would give AVV IT's Mop a miss though     

 

Not if you like pink latex!! 

[Shifty]

The thinners used makes a big difference. I tried some high gloss stutf and just couldn't get on with it
To my mind it's still a bit cold to be painting in a domestic garage.

[Mini_Alex]

I'm using Cellulose thinners as I was told by a spray shop that people buy 'standard thinners' and that does not work as well, so i bought a large can on ebay.

 

I have a car polishing/buffer machine but that will not be used for weeks after the paint is complete and hardened.

 

 

The thinners used makes a big difference. I tried some high gloss stutf and just couldn't get on with it
To my mind it's still a bit cold to be painting in a domestic garage.

..............................

 

Lucky the garage window is south facing so its quite warm, plus also i've got a thermostatic heater to keep the the temp before spraying. 

[Skortchio]

May just be personal preference but if it's going to be a regularly used car I'd not bother flatting with anything above 1200, then move onto compounds (G3 / ultra-cut) as they tend to be more abrasive than 2k w&d anyway and unless you're looking for a show quality finish that will stand up under direct LED lighting, you'll be hard pressed to see any noticeable improvement for hours of work with 1500+ w&d.

 

1200, G3, Ultimate compound, glaze, wax. Will produce a stunning finish with minimum elbow grease. :)

[sam7]

if u want a better finish with cellulose, use a high gloss thinner!!!    DO NOT use standard thinners its recycled crap for cleaning guns out!!!!

 

also mate u do not need to flatten in between coats, its very time consuming! just get the paint on the panels, it doesnt matter how it shines from the gun, as long as u are going to flatten and polish it. the ultimate shine will come from flattening it and polishing it up properly.

id use w/d 1200 untill every imperfection is out, then quick go over with 1500 then 2000 to finish!!

 

put some pics up!!!!