How to spray metallics and other car finishes.
Using Metallic Paints
For metallic finishes, most of the section on spraying solid colours applies but with added technicalities to consider. Some older production cars were painted in metallic colours applied in one process, called single-layer. Most recent metallics are of the clear-over-base type, which involves a coloured metallic basecoat protected by a finishing coat of clear lacquer....
How To Apply Metallic Paints
Single layer metallics - these have no separate clear lacquer Apply two or three coats of prepared mixture until the repaired areas, etc., are blanked out. By their nature single layer metallics are fairly transparent. The results will probably look stripey or blotchy due to flotation of the aluminium particles - for a nice even...
How To Choose And Apply Clear Lacquer
Clear Lacquers - 1K and 2K A choice between an air drying lacquer (1K) or one which needs an activator to harden it (2K). Air drying single pack and two-pack lacquers are used as the final coating for basecoats, not only to protect the basecoat but also to provide the glossy surface required. The advantages...
Blending Paintwork Repairs
How to hide the joins! Small repairs may not warrant spraying a complete panel. In this case consider what will be the easiest way to "lose" the edges of your paint repair. This will ideally be a slim rear pillar or narrow section of bodywork, or a moulding or break line further along from the...
Car Compounding and Polishing
Achieving a showroom gloss - removing paint defects For the very lucky few, or those with the use of a professional spray booth with filtered air input, all that may be required after spraying will be a quick once round with a fine hand-glaze polish to bring out that deep, dazzling gloss. For the rest...
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