Right, I've bought the cooper s filler cap, and the two part spray paint set to spray the ring piece. My question is, whats the best way to spray it in order to get a good finish? Spray with several light layers or do I spray it until it drips paint? Same with the laquer? Does the temperature matter? As I tried spraying it in the garage and its freezing in there, and I never got a good finish at all!
Several light coats are almost always better - drips=bad.
A reasonale (room) temperature is required for good paint performance and dry time. Keep away from open flame and ignition sources, and make sure you are in a well ventilated space.
Paint in a warm, clean, well ventilated area. I will sometimes wet the floor prior to painting so that it collects some of the dust in the air (my garage is never 100% clean)
When working with can spray paint, I usually apply two coats of color and two-three coats of clear.
Spray a preliminary light coat of color followed by a coat that makes the surface look evenly wet(it's tough to describe), but not loaded with paint that will run/drip.
Let it thoroughly dry. Sand with 600 grit wet to make the surface smooth. Clean part with damp towel and let dry. The next coat will go on smooth since paint bonds to itself better than plastic.
Spray final coat of color. If you mess up (dust, fingerprint, the can "spits" on part...) let it dry and lightly sand out the blemish. Do not try to cover flaws with more paint.
After the final coat of color, let the part dry thoroughly. The clear coat can seal in wet paint!
Apply a preliminary light coat of clear followed in five minutes by a coat that looks evenly wet. The light coat is to assure a better bond between the color and clear.
This coat fills a lot of the surface imperfections of the color. Once again, this can be lightly sanded with 600 grit wet to smooth out the surface for the final coat.
The most important coat is the final coat of clear. Be sure to apply an even coat that looks wet.
Too light leaves a texture and too wet pools and runs.
Slight orange peel can be buffed out of the clearcoat in a couple weeks if needed.
The above instructions are good. When I sprayed mine, I followed the instructions that came with the tins. I waited 10 min between coats and applied a total of 4 coats. I then very lightly flatted it and applied one more coat of colour. I waited 15 min. and applied the first coat of laquer. Waited 10 mins between coats and sprayed a total of 5 coats. They tell you on the instructions to put the same amount of laquer coats as you put colour coats as only then will the colour match the car.
Worked for me (although I got a small spec of dust on it when I transported the part to the airing cupbord from my garage to finish drying over night!!)
It is worth the mod!!
By the way, my garage wasn't that warm either, but as long as you use thin coats and take your time, the tinned paint seems quite forgiving.
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