Melberry2

Hi, I really need advice on this. The story starts with stone chips. rubbed all down but not to bare metal. Next skimmed over chipped area and rubbed down again
Next sprayed all with primer and sanded again. Next sprayed topcoat (aerosol) 3 cans and sanded again. Next top coat 2 cans. I have 2 large aerosols of clear lacquer and my question is ' do I now fine sand this final coat directly before applying lacquer. Its one of those jobs I wish I hadn' t started, so I would appreciate any opinion that helps to make a passable result.

costina

iTrader: (1)

Just key up with fine scotchbrite or if you sand with to course of paper you will see it. Make sure its a dull even finish.

There will many opinions on this.

Melberry2

Thanks for that, the last paint coat has turned out very dull, I didn't expect that as its a really warm day and inside garage. The previous coat was looking good, not dull. Anyway, I dont know what scotchbrite is but I will check with Halfords. Actually was thinking of not sanding anymore and just get on with lacquer but No, Wrong move!
​​​​​​I know people said leave it to the experts but I decided to give it a go. will see how it turns out Many Thanks

cossynut2

What paint are you using ? Is it metallic? With most metallic paint the clear lacquer is what gives it its final hard wearing shiny finish. If it is not metallic you should end up with the final coats coming out with a good shiny finish. I personally would not scotchbrite the paint before spraying the clear lacquer but everyone has their own preference.

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

I will paint it.....

naturally aspirated

Don't sand down the final colour finish. Apply the lacquer before the final coat has completely cured.

costina

iTrader: (1)

Yes of course i was thinking about if it was clear coated already.... what a muppet.

wayne1001

As said don't let the top coat cure before the laquer goes on as it could flake off later on

Melberry2

aye just as advised, now there are different opinions. Anyway heres the situation. Its not metalic, its a Honda in Milano red for which clear lacquer is specified. Now I have wet sanded it with fine p1500. Have not proceeded with lacquer yet but will have to consider further top coat first. Thanks for help

costina

iTrader: (1)

Oh i worked for honda for 17 plus years and milano red was a right pain thay had to tint the clear to get it right.
Type R championship white was another problematic colour. Glad i was in the weld dept....

Melberry2

Thanks Costina , that is encouraging, makes me feel more of an expert now. Guy on Halfords called it milano pink. Anyway I've done nearly the whole car with aerosols, well, the back bumper and spoiler plus front bumper. They all turned out fairly good. So the bonnet could not be ignored, of course I removed it. Its a civic. What it all costs I dont want to even think about!

cossynut2

A lot less than if you had it painted at a spray painting specialist!!

Melberry2

end result. Maybe not perfect but I think its passable.

cossynut2

Looks a good job to me, well done.

RSmark84

I too worked at Honda during the same time as Costina.... And can confirm Milano red was an awful colour. Working on the line you could see 'black' under the paint, It was so thin.

I actually worked on the production line(AF), near the end of the line for 5 years at one point. So I saw many awful 'red' cars. I bet that car when new had many paint imperfections and contamination.

markie t

if your happy with it thats great, it does not matter what other people think.

costina

iTrader: (1)

Looks good well done. Seen worst jobs done by so called pros.

Melberry2

Thanks for all the advice, job turned out ok due only to the much valued oppions on here.

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Looks ok in the pic.