To pick up dust, we used an...
To pick up dust, we used an automotive refinishing tack-rag. These cloths have a sticky coating, which is designed to attract dust without leaving a residue on the surface. Give the surface a final wipe just before the spraying begins.
Basecoat applies like the lacquer paints of old, going on with some solvent gloss, and then dulling and drying quickly as the solvents flash out. Apply enough basecoat for uniform color coverage, usually two complete medium coats. The base should be smooth and level, without noticeable texture. If the basecoat application doesn't look good, there's no use in continuing with the clear before correcting the situation. Once the base is allowed to flash for the time period specified by the paint manufacturer, it's time for the clearcoat. Apply enough material thickness to allow the clear to be sanded and polished later; three coats are generally plenty. The goal is to get the clear to flow as smoothly as possible. Variables here include the solvent mix, the equipment, air pressure, and technique.
Our paint project for now was to paint the T-top hatches. We're more than happy with the way the Planet Color base and Ultra 7000 clearcoat came out on these panels. The paint looks great even before buffing, right off the gun.
| Difficulty Index - 3 Wrenches |
| Anyone's Project: no tools required | 1 Wrench |
| Beginner: basic tools | 2 Wrenches |
| Experienced: special tools | 3 Wrenches |
| Accomplished: special tools and outside help | 4 Wrenches |
| Professionals Only: send this work out | 5 Wrenches |
A primer sealer coat was shot...
A primer sealer coat was shot first, which provides an improved surface for the color coats to come. The primer was tinted to resemble the final color.
Next comes the basecoat, which...
Next comes the basecoat, which provides the color to the finish. Apply the material as smoothly and evenly as possible. The basecoat will look dull once the solvents flash out after spraying.
Once the surface has dried...
Once the surface has dried to touch, the basecoat can be given a light dusting with a tack-rag to remove any dry overspray that settled on the surface.
Clearcoat gives the glossy...
Clearcoat gives the glossy shine and durability to the finish in a basecoat/clearcoat paint job. The goal when spraying clear is to lay down a smooth finish with as little texture as possible.
The finished top gives plenty...
The finished top gives plenty of inspiration to complete our painting project. We found Planet Color's materials delivered awesome results.