I have a question on spraying base coat/clear coat.
I sprayed quite a few acryllic enamel and laquer paint jobs over the years but I have never sprayed bc/cc.
I'm in the middle of a resto on my truck and am thinking about attempting to spray it myself, if I screw up I can always have a pro redo it.
The color is going to be Kona Blue (Ford code L6). This is a dark metallic blue. The paint scheme will involve white stripes along the rocker area, the roof and the F-O-R-D on the tailgate also in white.
My question is will I have time to mask the stripe, roof and lettering, spray the white and then clearcoat everything? Or is there a limited amount of time between spraying the color and when you must spray the clear? If I wait too long will there be an adhesion problem between the color and clear coats?
Any help is much appreciated, thanks.

 

Excellent question. I'm curious about how to do this also.

 

Here is a good paint forum; SPI User Forums
I have been using their product with great success. I'm sure you will get a good answer from someone on there.

 

First thing, Look at The tech sheets for what paint line you are planning to use. Ask the jobber that your getting the paint from for these. They will tell you what the tape times are for the B/C (aprox 30 min). There will be a window (time allowed) before clear needs to be on it. After that has pasted you need to scuff sand and reapply B/C.
Your best bet is put the smallest color down first (white) then wait the required time to tape and mask off the areas that you want to remain that color. Then apply the next color. When you have that down unmask the first color and check for bleed through (2nd color over first). If everything is good then wait for required time before clear coat and then spray clear coat.
It's not tough but does require some thought and planning before starting, because once started you need to stay in the windows.
Use good tape (3M blue fine line) for your break lines between colors. Bends real well and stays down. Hope this helps. Ray

 

Hi Mike o

Last summer I had to do a touchup (scratch down to primer) on my wifes black 1997 cougar......I have never done the new BC/CC before.....(although I have sprayed just about everything else) and I will tell you this....follw the MFG directions and it is easier than anything I have done before!!!!!!!!!!!!! Inlcuding the color matching!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks for the replies all.
Right now I'm trying to build up my knowledge base a little so I can make an intelligent decision. I really want to paint it myself but at the same time I want the paint to be "perfect".
Thanks again.

 

I would keep your "perfect" tempered a bit. I have painted two whole cars and one truck cab so far. Even though I read everything I could they were all learning experiences. So I learned to accept it as "that is pretty damn good" vs. "perfect".

For instance I just finished painting a large Dodge Polara in eggshell white. Was able to control orange peel and minimize trash in the paint. Had some runs on the first coat before I saw them. What I learned is the pigment in single stage migrates to the top so when you cut the run the color under is darker. An issue with a light color. This meant I quickly learned how to blend in a panel when I repainted. Also learned that even minor specks of trash in between the second and third layer would look like tiny little dark spots. Again an issue in light paints. Have a few on them on close inspection yet the masking was perfect and the color sanding and buffing went very well. Paint is silky smooth with a pretty clear reflection off the panels. So standing back 3 feet the whole car looks great. Getting down to 10 inches I see those few little dark specks. Bother me a little, yes, but I'm cool with it because you need to get on the paint to see them. Bottom line... I'm pleased with the job. Not to mention $500 beats $5000-7000 any day.

 

what manufacture did you use?
was it water base?
was it califorina paint?
roy

 

PPG DCC Concept (the real stuff)
SS Urethane
Available in Reno, NV now as TCP Global ceased selling it Sept. 1st.

 

Thanks all for the responses. I still haven't made the final decision yet, but the more knowledge I collect, the more confident I will be when I do make the decision.

 

thanks mike needed the info

 

PPG basecoat (DBC) says it has a 24hr max window before having to scuff and re-apply. If you ask a PPG rep, its 7 days. Just make sure to use the correct reducer in it and not one that's faster than the temperature you're spraying in. If you don't want to do the 7 day thing and you want to stick to the 24hrs on the tech sheet, you can restart the window by putting a coat of DBC500 over it. DBC500 is a clear basecoat product and will not affect the color and will give you another 24hrs every time you put a coat of it down.

 

Thanks gt350h, that's what I was concerned about, the time. I know I can tape the stripe in a few hours but was concerned that the time limit was only a few hours, 24 shouldn't be a problem.