'beginner' paint choices?

[AlexBrown_1]

Hi all,
Has anyone got recommendations for some mid-budget range paints which I can get hold of in smaller quantities as I begin my journey using a spray gun?

I won't be using lots, mostly to paint repairs and the odd jobs, machinery, garden equipment, the odd motorcycle panel - I'd like to avoid isocyanates if at all possible.

I'm a bit lost with the acrylic/enamel/cellulose/synthetic differences.

Thanks!

 

[WvW]

I've had a lot of success with paragon enamel paints. Easy to use and leave a nice finish from the gun.

paragonpaints.co.uk

 

[brightspark]

smith and allen are about 10 quid cheaper a tin and do most colours apart from myford grey

 

[GRW]

I've had a lot of success with paragon enamel paints. Easy to use and leave a nice finish from the gun.

paragonpaints.co.uk

Interesting. Am I right in thinking you can thin Paragon Enamel paint with plain old White Spirit... and surely it'd need to be thinned to run through a spray gun somewhat?
(Like the OP I'm all at sea with paint, and only sprayed with Rattle Cans, but have a compressor [& a cheapie paint gun I've never tried to use] & fancy a crack at it at some point).

 

[WvW]

I thin it with the stuff they recommend, but I suspect it's nothing but standard thinners at the end of the day.

Haven't tried Smith and Allen, but I've bookmarked now - thanks @brightspark

 

[brightspark]

tractol paint is a real good enamel u can be used by brush or spray fairly quick drying but needs thinning with xylene .celly thinners wont touch it

 

[steveo3002]

you will most likley get more confused with all the replys lol

rustoleum combi colour isnt bad for jobs like you mention , avail in all colours from someone like avenue paints , or a few basic colours from the diy stores

 

[ajlelectronics]

Bearing in mind that you will make plenty of mistakes but want to rectify them, I would stay away from synthetics. You want to avoid isocyanates, so that leaves acrylics and cellulose. Go and talk to your local bodyshop supplier and see what they can offer in a solid 1k colour of your choice. Make sure that you tell them it is for a classic car in case they want to be 'jobsworth' about it.

 

[charlysays]

Hi all,
Has anyone got recommendations for some mid-budget range paints which I can get hold of in smaller quantities as I begin my journey using a spray gun?

I won't be using lots, mostly to paint repairs and the odd jobs, machinery, garden equipment, the odd motorcycle panel - I'd like to avoid isocyanates if at all possible.

I'm a bit lost with the acrylic/enamel/cellulose/synthetic differences.

Thanks!

The best bet is epoxy primer such as lechler 29107 (use fast hardener if your workshop isn't heated) followed by HMG nisocoat 2.
Nisocoat is a true 2k acrylic with no isocyanates available in RAL and BS colors and clear coat. I believe they may be able to mix automotive and fleet colours in it too.
It's slightly trickier to apply than iso 2k but gives similar finished results- high solids, glossy, hard wearing and weather resistant.
The clear coat is probably the easiest to apply and will wet on wet over polyester automotive base coats.

I painted my daily car with it over a year ago and there's absolutely no fading or other weather or latent issues with it. You will not get that kind of durability from a 1k paint.

 

[AlexBrown_1]

The best bet is epoxy primer such as lechler 29107 (use fast hardener if your workshop isn't heated) followed by HMG nisocoat 2.
Nisocoat is a true 2k acrylic with no isocyanates available in RAL and BS colors and clear coat. I believe they may be able to mix automotive and fleet colours in it too.
It's slightly trickier to apply than iso 2k but gives similar finished results- high solids, glossy, hard wearing and weather resistant.
The clear coat is probably the easiest to apply and will wet on wet over polyester automotive base coats.

I painted my daily car with it over a year ago and there's absolutely no fading or other weather or latent issues with it. You will not get that kind of durability from a 1k paint.

I really appreciate this in depth reply, thank you!

 

[charlysays]

I really appreciate this in depth reply, thank you!

No worries. I did a lot of research at the time and was glad to find nisocoat 2.
It uses epoxide hardeners hence it having no isocyanates but proper 2k acrylic performance.