Auto paint - Acrylic DIY vs 2pack

[Dyldo]

Howdy all

This isn't a acrylic versus 2pk paint thread, cause thats like a "how long is that string" thread. Bottom line is i am looking to shoot acrylic over a weekend in a carport on my Bora. Obviously 2pk ain't happening as i don't have a booth.

Moreso I wanted relative opinions, thoughts and tips about an idea my DIL and me are cooking up. He has sprayed a good 50-60 cars in garages, open air and in proper booths and ovens so he's done the lot. He's pretty handy in getting the body in tip-top shape too.

Anyway our plan is to rub/key the general paint surface after taking off F&R lights, blinkers, antenna etc and masking up rubbers. We'd lay 5-6 litres of BMP and then clear it all a few times. Then polish and seal of course.

I'm not sure how much body work we will do, as she is pretty straight with a few minor dents to paintlessly pull out and a few deep scratches in the bootlid and rear bar that we will sand down and fill with primer as there doesnt appear to be a need for putty.

We have compressors, good lines, good guns and most of the equipment and he has the skills to pass on to me. I fully admit there will be errors made and I am ok with that so long as they're easily fixed.

Getting the VAG codes is easy, and then I was eyeing off VG Auto Paints as the place to snaffle the paint from as i have heard tonnes of good stuff about their paint and equipment prices.

Anyway the location will be a car-port over a weekend with tarps up on the walls to stop spray-drift and shield us from bugs, random flying stuff etc.

Thoughts?

/flamesuit on

[Jarred]

I'm not 100% sure what the original paint on the bora is, but if it's 2K, then spraying acrylic over that is a big no no. Paint will shrink or something to that effect. The other way around is meant to be ok though.

Just to add fuel to the fire, have you thought about using water based paints (and no, not the kiddy stuff... :| )

Everything else being good. Good prep work, clean environment etc etc, and I reckon it's worth a shot. especially with DIL behind the gun (or behind you, and you've got the gun)

Just my 2 bob worth. But I'm not an expert!

[team_v]

Definitely take some pictures!

[Dyldo]

hey dude, thanks.

her paint is pretty rough as it is, so even my dodgy paintwork will be an improvement. i DID manage to prime, spray and clear a new set of wing mirrors with a pressure-pack can and it came off really well, so I'm keen to move on and at least do the bootlid and rear bar.

As you say prep is key but my DIL is a prep-nazi and says 90% of his time is spent there so i am fine with that. I did the same with the mirrors and it was worth it.

Anybody know if our basecoats are 2k? Anybody can verify if me shooting acrylic as per my plan will be bad?

What if i shot some primer over my already-keyed basecoat and then shot my BMP mix? I was tempted to run some red pearl thru the BMP and turn it into a subtle Cola colour. But i don't have to go that far.

[Dyldo]

Definitely take some pictures!

of the progress? or before and after so you guys can laugh?

[D3bb4]

yes, stock paint is 2k, acrylic base (acrylic urethane). Acrylic will have more sink back than 2k, and can re-form, as it's a thermoplastic. 2k is a thermoset paint/plastic.

Acrylic should be fine to spray over the top if is preped right. Is always safest to do bare metal resprays though. If you're spraying a solid acrylic, rub it back with 600 wet and dry, or 800 if it's a metallic.

And don't spray when it's raining.

[golfgti101]

I'd still go 2pc without a booth. Use sheets instead of tarps as the paint molecules will stick to the sheets and leave you a cleaner job with less slicing needed.
we've set up 'booths' in friends garages with a bunch of old bed sheets and a wet floor, and finished with 2pac fine.
wear a mask!

[Peter Jones]

I sprayed our B1 Passat in acrylic at home in the carport. I wrote it all up too. You might like to read it for some ideas.

The repaint starts about page 7 of the thread. http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f55/...t-24078-7.html

pics of the colour going start from page 11 http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f55/...-24078-11.html

Preparation is where all the work is, painting is the quick and easy part.





The paint's a year old now and no issues so far.

[D3bb4]

I'd still go 2pc without a booth. Use sheets instead of tarps as the paint molecules will stick to the sheets and leave you a cleaner job with less slicing needed.
we've set up 'booths' in friends garages with a bunch of old bed sheets and a wet floor, and finished with 2pac fine.
wear a mask!

if you want cancer. 2k has isocyanate, which causes cancer. A filter mask won't help you either. To spray 2k, you need a face mask with an air feed line.

If you have a mask... you can hire booths for under 300/day. better option IMO.

[VW Convert]

if you want cancer. 2k has isocyanate, which causes cancer. A filter mask won't help you either. To spray 2k, you need a face mask with an air feed line.

If you have a mask... you can hire booths for under 300/day. better option IMO.

Well said, this is something NOT to be ignored......too many people ignore dangers such as this................it will come back to haunt you later in life if you do so.

[Jarred]

I've heard you can get 2 pak paints without the isonch.. (forgotten what it's called, that carcenogenic part in the hardner). Ie, that are safer to be used. Not sure if you can spray them without a fresh air mask, but worth having a look.