yas
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'63 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by yas on May 21, 2014 6:37:32 GMT -8
We're getting ready to paint Lula Belle ('64 Compact) - we're going to do it ourselves! We're new to this and paint is expensive ...
We thinking of using an automotive single stage acrylic enamel, creamy white above the stripe and a medium/light blue below. How much paint will we need? A gallon of each color seems like a lot of paint. Quarts are available. The trailer tongue will be white, we'd like enough blue to paint the gas bottle and the wheels.
Thanks!
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on May 21, 2014 8:47:42 GMT -8
For most of us "amateur" painters without access to a real paint booth, it's easier to paint it in sections, on different days. Tape it off and paint both sides on one day. Then tape it off and spray the front and back on a different day. I think you will find it's easier to keep a wet edge, and minimize the orange peal. That said, you will waste more paint in cleaning the gun, and you cannot save the paint after you add the hardener.
Your going to waste a lot of paint spraying the tongue, jack, wheels, and bottles due to overspray. I'd start out with two quarts of white, and a quart of blue (maybe two?). You can always go back and buy another mixed quart. Light pastel colors are easy to match compared to a metallic or pearl color. Also remember that a quart of paint will only be 3/4 full because they leave room for the hardener to be added.
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Post by Ross on May 21, 2014 9:41:38 GMT -8
You will need to make sure that you do a deep clean on the entire camper. Use a wax and grease remover to remove any impurities on the camper skins. I suggest that you use an epoxy primer to ensure that the acrylic enamel adheres properly.
The white will take around 3 light to medium coats, allowing a flash time of 15 minutes or so, to cover the primer. Never attempt to spray in one heavy coat, it will sag and / or run.
If you are having the blue custom mixed, buy enough for the entire project. I never trust that the color will be mixed the same on two different days.
FYI, it is better to have a little left over, than realize that you don't have enough when you are in the middle of a side painting.
The last camper that I painted, 1971 Serro Scotty Sportsman (10' body), it took 1 1/2 gallons of white and only 2 quarts of blue. The paint materials ran about $800.00
It looks like your Compact has about the same amount of white as it does blue. You will probably use close to 3 quarts or just a bit more of each.
These are just my opinions and are based on my experiences.
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CorvettCrzy
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'58 Corvette, '64 Franklin
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Post by CorvettCrzy on May 22, 2014 19:32:01 GMT -8
Since there are some knowledgeable people here, would it be more difficult to spray this automotive paint or the ACE enamel? Or is there no difference in application, just in long term performance?
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Post by vikx on May 22, 2014 22:15:54 GMT -8
We've found that it takes about the same amount of paint. After $600 for automotive paint, we've switched to Rustoleum oil based enamel and have been happy with the results. Spraying time/effort is the same. Cost is about 1/3 with Rusto.
That being said, if you can afford automotive paint/hardener and are willing to do the steps required, the results are awesome. It is much tougher scratch wise and lasts for years...
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yas
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'63 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by yas on May 25, 2014 16:58:40 GMT -8
Thanks everyone. We're in the middle of prep. Hopefully we'll paint it soon. I'll post pictures when we're finished.
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hedlund
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Post by hedlund on Jul 29, 2014 21:21:29 GMT -8
I sprayed my '56 single stage auto paint. I did purchase 1 gallon ea. prime (must have a good etching primer on new alum.) off white & a blue. When you purchase 1 gallon it really turns into 1 1/2 with hardener / reducer. I shot a 12' shasta using a Harbor Freight hvlp (AWESOME SPRAY GUNS). Ok now you all know the secret. I do however get 2. Since you never know if it will work or not. But for 15$ ea. you cant go wrong. I used half the paint purchased. Which is great to spray anything you like. It cost 620. in CA. The paint is tough & has a great not to glossy, glossy finish. If you are spraying outdoors be sure to have a very fine pair of tweezers at the ready. The auto paint was great it would dry to touch in 20 min. leaving plenty of time to clean off bugs.
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