Painting trim pieces
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Painting trim pieces
This question started at http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=979637 but this applies to much more than a dash bezel. I have been spray painting parts for years and they always had "orange peel" you know not pefectly smooth like a car's factory finish and my question
"When I use spray paints I never achieve that flat smooth surface appearance. I always get that bumpy "orange peel" look no matter what brand I use. How does the factory paint trim items or for that matter how does anyone paint a metal object and get that smooth glossy appearance without color sanding and buffing for hours. Case in point the file cabinet in my office is gloss black and smooth. You can't tell me the file cabinet company has a body shop that buffs file cabinets during production. How is this done?"
"When I use spray paints I never achieve that flat smooth surface appearance. I always get that bumpy "orange peel" look no matter what brand I use. How does the factory paint trim items or for that matter how does anyone paint a metal object and get that smooth glossy appearance without color sanding and buffing for hours. Case in point the file cabinet in my office is gloss black and smooth. You can't tell me the file cabinet company has a body shop that buffs file cabinets during production. How is this done?"
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
To add I re adjusted my trim pieces for the movable winshield door and repainted then with Krylon gloss and they don't look anywhere as good (orange peel)as the buffed paint job the car's sporting so how do these Forum members paint trim pieces that mimic factory jobs???????
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
its definitely an art. depends on what paint your using. Spray can paint can be very hard to control. Try spaying further away from the object and in cooler temps to allow the paint to flow a little before it tacks up. Some automotive paint specality shops will can touch up paint for you but its better to buy an airbrush or touch up gun.
If your using a detail gun or air brush try using more thinner/reducer to allow the paint to flow better, but apply light coats so as not to run it. With more thinner your are more likely to run. Spray each portion of the surface while that paticular portion is laying flat. When i paint my car the hood always looks the best because you can lay a nice wet coat and it will flow out and yet not run.
P.S. There is no way you are going to achieve the DOI (Distinctness of Image), and overall quality with a 5 dollar can of Krylon. The urethane automotive paints costs around 100 bucks a quart.
If your using a detail gun or air brush try using more thinner/reducer to allow the paint to flow better, but apply light coats so as not to run it. With more thinner your are more likely to run. Spray each portion of the surface while that paticular portion is laying flat. When i paint my car the hood always looks the best because you can lay a nice wet coat and it will flow out and yet not run.
P.S. There is no way you are going to achieve the DOI (Distinctness of Image), and overall quality with a 5 dollar can of Krylon. The urethane automotive paints costs around 100 bucks a quart.
Last edited by turtlevette; Dec 29, 2004 at 05:22 PM.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Cary North Carolina
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 271
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From: Alpharette GA
: iagree: with turtlevette Professionals adjust the paint mixture to fit the temp and humidity.
I have found epoxies and some enamel gives me that smooth shine because the longer drying time of epoxy allows it to flow and settle better. The surface needs to be sanded and prepped properly and most times I used 3 coats primer with 600&1000 grit wet sanding in between all coats. This made the surface smooth for final paint. JMO
I had vary little trouble with my interior restore I just finished, but I did paint all THE PARTS in my vary cool and air-condition basement (my wife complained of the fumes but hey IT'S HER VETTE)
I have found epoxies and some enamel gives me that smooth shine because the longer drying time of epoxy allows it to flow and settle better. The surface needs to be sanded and prepped properly and most times I used 3 coats primer with 600&1000 grit wet sanding in between all coats. This made the surface smooth for final paint. JMO
I had vary little trouble with my interior restore I just finished, but I did paint all THE PARTS in my vary cool and air-condition basement (my wife complained of the fumes but hey IT'S HER VETTE)
