applying 2k primer with a roller

[gaz_moose]

basically if i spray any more paint my neighbour is going to chop my head off.

im prepping my track car for a respray using U POL filler surfacer primer . my mate is going to blow it over if i do all the prep. i only have the bonnet and the side skirts to prime. i was thinking of doing them with a roller as they are large flat panels.ive had a few practice go's on various old panels with various ratios of thinners.ive found using foam rollers with no thinners works best but am struggling to get a smooth finnish and loose the air bubbles.

ive seen a fair few people on here use rollers for sticking paint on so wondered if you could give me a few pointers.

cheers gaz.

 

[Shedendman]

When using a foam roller(esp a brand new one) you need to work the paint into it expell as much air in the foam as poss,just keep loading it with paint and roll along the tray,one of the best ways,again with a new roller is to roll onto some clean wood/ply/whatever,that way you wear the surface down a little.
Once your happy with it and you see no bubbles forming crack on to your work/panels,dont over work the paint or roller,keep an even pressure but not to hard and always leave a wet edge.
Another trick with new rollers is to wash or soak them 1st,this wears the surface down a little, while her indoors is not looking chuck em in the washing machine,btw make sure shes not doing a very hot wash,knackers the foam,lol.

 

[Chipper]

You might get more joy with slow thinners & hardener, more chance to flow, but it'll never work as well as a slow-dry paint like enamel. Probs would be OK with high-build, just more sanding.

 

[BigBossMan]

I've only done it with enamel paints but maybe if you use a 'baby sponge' (from the chemists, ie no big holes in it like a car sponge) and lightly dab the rolled on paint with it, it should pop the bubbles or at least create smaller ones then leave to settle for a short while before lightly (stressing the point lightly here) dab again to remove the smaller bubbles.

Try it first on a test piece, but I can easily get an enamel paint to look 'better than sprayed' on using this method.

If it looks too dry, you've either not put enough paint on or overworking the sponge too much.

Not tried it before on your problem though but personally I'd BRUSH it on and work out the brush lines with a sponge.
Rollers never seem to put enough paint on to start with and you're lucky if it flows at all.

Get a good brush too, Purdy brushes are good but quite expensive or Harris Professional should do.

 

[the snooper]

if you go down the route of priming with a roller then i dont see the point in spraying the topcoat as the pattern of the roller will show through.
have you tried spraying at low pressure to minimise the overspray if thats what you misserrable neighbour is moaning about

 

[gaz_moose]

im aware that it will take a lot longer to sand. it goes on ok just is a bit textured. with a brush it goes on real streaky.

 

[lexi]

'Kin neighbours. Wait till they go on a package holiday to Turkey

You try to keep weeds down in his garden and this is the thanks you get

We can't be pussying about wasting time in summer lying on plastic furniture ?...........we have projects to do