3. Auto Paint Mixing
Question: I don't understand the thinning out recommendations on paint products, can you give me a simple form for etch, clear and base coats for 500mls?
Answer: Thinning for different types of paint products requires different amounts. The general rule of thumb with
solvent based paint products is as follows:
1. Etch Primer = 1:1 ratio (1 part paint to 1 part thinner or reducer)
2. Primer = 2:1:1 ratio (2 parts paint to 1 part hardener & 1 part thinner, reducer)
3. Base Coat = 1:1 ratio (1 part paint to 1 part reducer)
4. Clear coat = 2:1:10% OR 4:1 ratio (2 parts paint to 1 part hardener and then add 10% of reducer).
Please note: These are fairly generic ratios. As a customer, you should ask the paint supplier for a technical data sheet for all the types of paint being used, as they carry all of the information required to use these materials i.e. pressure/temp/air-cap/nozzle size, etc.
This is much more easier than you think to do, rather than readining about it.
Question: We are doing our first paint job on a small project. For the primer (Tintable Polyurethane) we bought the tint.
They said 5-1 including the tint. Now what do they mean 5-1? The paint gun is gravity feed nothing fancy so how do we mix the correct amount?
Also the Paint (Low VOC Polyurethane Enamel) they said that it is a 3-1 of Acetone and Catalyst, how will we mix that?
Answer: Firstly, the ratios to which you mix any paint are relative. i.e if the ratio is 5:1, then this indicates 5 parts of paint to 1 part of hardener/thinner/catalyst. So in broad terms the ratio should always be the same.
For example:
If you were to mix 5 liters of paint, then you would add 1 liter of hardener/thinner/catalyst.
If you were to mix 2.5 liters of paint, then you would add 0.50 liters of hardener/thinner/catalyst.
The same rule applies for a ratio of 3:1 - 3 parts paint to 1 part hardener/thinner/catalyst. So to mix 3 liters of paint, you would add 1 liter of hardener/thinner/catalyst.
As for the amount you would mix to do a particular job, well that depends on the size of the individual panels. Rule of thumb usually indicates that 1/5th (20%) of a liter per panel.
This would allow for 2 to 3 quality coats per panel. The larger the panel, then more will be required.
Question: How do you mix the base coat and the clear coat? Also, I wanted to put flake into it. What is the best way to do that?
Answer: Dependent on the manufacturer and make of paint, generally speaking, base coat is mixed 1:1 Which means 1 parts paint : 1 part reducer should be applied.
