Got all the bits now just need some paint :)

[Ddave73]

I have eventually got all the bits needed to do some painting and after focusing allot on the hardware and getting all set up I have neglected the most important thing, paint. haha

I will be using a gravity fed spray gun and I also have an air brush I want to play with too.

I will be practicing on the practice pieces I have made when learning to weld that are made from mild steel box section and I will also be wanting to paint a small toolbox I made from box section and sheet metal.

I know about the preparation of the surfaces and that I will need to apply some kind of base coat but what I do not know is what a good beginner paint is and what the best type of thinner would be.

There are so many variations when I look at paints its painful lol

I am stuck for the best place to buy this from too so if anyone can point me towards a good online retailer for everything I will need that would be excellent.

 

[langy]

What type of paint do you intend to use ???

 

[Ddave73]

This is the thing. I have no idea.

I have never painted before in my life, well apart from a bit of skirting boards haha

I am confused with the different types and types of thinners. Is there such thing as a good all rounder type of paint for metal stuff? Something reasonably hard wearing would be great but not that important right now.

 

[norsa]

I would forget base coats with clear lacqueur and start with primer then direct gloss. Have you a local auto paint supplier or will you be buying off the net. Are you geared up for 2 pack?

 

[Ddave73]

I have no idea regarding local stores, online is fine.

I am not sure what you mean by 2 pack?

 

[norsa]

Irony says its down to cellulose aka 1k (nitro-cellulose) then. 2 pack, (2k) is for pro use and is dangerous stuff.
Find a web site you would be comfortable with and post it here. We'll have a look and guide you through the maze.
Nick

 

[anjum]

Can't beat epoxy primer for the first coat. It's a two part but not iso-cyanate (at least the lechler one isn't AFAIK) but wear a mask as any sprayed paint is toxic.

2k contains iso-cyanate (i.e. cyanide) and must be used with a full face air fed mask.

 

[eil]

Some epoxy`s are iso- free and some are not you will have to check before buying, there is no cyanide in 2k though, well that is unless you burn it.

 

[anjum]

Well maybe not isocyanides but isocyanate, but will still kill you or make you very ill. Just trying to give the OP a heads up without getting too technical. Previous warning still applies! Many posts on here about the hazards.
Yes, best to check on the epoxy primer as well.

 

[eil]

Well maybe not isocyanides but isocyanate, but will still kill you or make you very ill. Just trying to give the OP a heads up without getting too technical. Previous warning still applies! Many posts on here about the hazards.
Yes, best to check on the epoxy primer as well.

I was guilty in being a bit pedantic in my previous post granted, but you did have two inaccuracies in your statement, the OP hasn't said what kinds of bits he wants to spray, if its just a toolbox and such you could use an alkyd paint, the stuff from aldi is cheap enough and some synthetic thinners good enough to practise with, and less chance of getting a reaction with whatever he is spraying over.

 

[Ddave73]

I appreciate all the advice

This Alkyd paint sounds ideal.

Can you show me what I would need here http://www.paints4u.com/ although if anyone can suggest a decent alternative site I am happy to try anywhere.

 

[jammy]

So my first go was with some hammerite thinned with 10% white spirit. I later found that xylene is slightly better to thin it with.

I then bought some Builthamber etchweld primer and cellulose thinners and started priming before then going over it with the hammerite.

I'm an engine block, rear calipers, disc shields, hubs and a few brackets in and have learned a lot so far!

I bought a Gerson 2K mask, as I might spray 2pack in the future and I don't like breathing in any kind of nasty fumes if I can help it so for £20 this seemed sensible.

My advice, just try anything first..... also don't start spraying on the thing you want to paint. Try every setting on your gun on a bit of cardboard first before you go near the part. Also re-do this when you top the paint up and watch out for your regulator on the compressor doing a funny when the compressor is charging, mine drops off a bit and you get splatters. Have you got an air-dryer/filter?

 

[norsa]

stop right there. A respirator for £20 quid?? Second hand? have you a suitable compressor?
Nick

 

[langy]

stop right there. A respirator for £20 quid?? Second hand? have you a suitable compressor?
Nick

Its a short duration mask Nick, not an airfed one

 

[norsa]

like our friends American use? Can of worms time.

 

[langy]

like our friends American use? Can of worms time.

Yup, and thousands of painters here in the UK too