Cheapo paint job
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| + | ==Introduction== | ||
You get what you pay for. | You get what you pay for. | ||
Hotrodding forums frequently witness posts by hotrodders endorsing various (and numerous) "cheapo" methods of painting a vehicle. | Hotrodding forums frequently witness posts by hotrodders endorsing various (and numerous) "cheapo" methods of painting a vehicle. | ||
| − | The overwhelming consensus of body professionals and experienced hotrodders is that, in most cases, " | + | The overwhelming consensus of body professionals and experienced hotrodders is that, in most cases, "cheapo" paint jobs simply aren't worthwhile. There are many clever and reasonable ways to save money while building a hot rod, and overall, aggressively scrimping on the paint job does not seem to be among them. While "cheapo" jobs may be good for "cheapo" vehicles (beaters, work or farm vehicles, "practice" cars for learning painting, etc.), they aren't good for vehicles in which you have invested significant amounts of time, money, and effort. |
| − | The complexities of the various painting products and application methods can make it difficult for an amateur to understand why scrimping on a paint job is, ultimately, not a wise decision. So, this article has been started in an effort to diminish those complexities | + | The complexities of the various painting products and application methods can make it difficult for an amateur to understand why scrimping on a paint job is, ultimately, not a wise decision. So, this article has been started in an effort to diminish those complexities. |
| + | If you are an auto body professional, an experienced hotrodder, or simply someone with good information on the realities of the "cheapo" paint job, please feel free to add to this article. | ||
==What's a "cheapo" paint job?== | ==What's a "cheapo" paint job?== | ||
===Cheapo application methods=== | ===Cheapo application methods=== | ||
| − | + | *Rattle cans | |
| − | + | *Brushes and rollers | |
| − | + | *"Powder puff" paint jobs. So-called because historically, hotrodders actually applied paint with powder puffs originally designed to apply makeup. | |
| − | + | ||
These methods typically leave visible marks indicating that a cheapo method of paint application was used. | These methods typically leave visible marks indicating that a cheapo method of paint application was used. | ||
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Lacquers are the other "family" of paint products (the primary choice being enamels). While lacquer paints used to be commonly used, they have given way to the more modern enamels. | Lacquers are the other "family" of paint products (the primary choice being enamels). While lacquer paints used to be commonly used, they have given way to the more modern enamels. | ||
| − | Lacquers literally "dry" | + | Lacquers literally "dry"; the solvent evaporates. For this reason, lacquers will re-dissolve if exposed to their original solvent. By comparison, enamels "cure" by chemical reaction. If you apply lacquer thinner to a lacquer paint job, the paint will become a liquid again. Other solvents can have the same effect. Lacquers also have minimal UV protection. Lacquers are also "hot" when applied and often attack existing enamel paints, even well cured factory paint. |
While you can paint over a lacquer paint job, the lacquer would likely be the weak part of the paint job. | While you can paint over a lacquer paint job, the lacquer would likely be the weak part of the paint job. | ||
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A Dupli-Color paint job would likely be fairly easy to apply, and look good when completed. However, it will not have the durability of more modern paint coatings. | A Dupli-Color paint job would likely be fairly easy to apply, and look good when completed. However, it will not have the durability of more modern paint coatings. | ||
| − | You can't directly price compare a quart of | + | You can't directly price compare a quart of Dupli-Color to a quart of say, single stage traditional auto paint. Car paint must be "reduced" (like adding paint thinner) before spraying, at about a 50-50 ratio. Therefore a quart of such paint will make two quarts of usable paint. Dupli-Color comes "ready to apply". Therefore we can say that it is only half a quart of paint and half reducer. Therefore you'd have to buy two quarts of Dupli-Color to equal a quart of single stage paint with reducer added. To carry it further, it's a fair estimate that you need around a gallon of paint to paint an average car. Plus a gallon of reducer, of course. Painters have noted that it takes quite a bit more lacquer to provide coverage equivalent to the more commonly used automotive paints. So the equivalent amount of Dupli-Color needed may well be as many as sixteen quarts. If you also want clear coat, that alters the equation a bit but Dupli-Color still tends to come out as less of a bargain than it might first appear. |
| − | Some experimentation has led some to believe that what | + | Some experimentation has led some to believe that what Dupli-Color is selling in quart cans is basically identical to what they are selling in their spray cans as "touch up" paint. Just different packaging. Better results will always be obtained with a good spray gun but the curious can generally try the spray can versions to get a fair idea of what this paint is like without investing in any painting equipment. |
===Oil-based machine paint=== | ===Oil-based machine paint=== | ||
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*Unlike a base coat-clear coat type spray paint job where things must be done within certain time frames, a Rustoleum spray, roll and brush job can be started and stopped at the painter's convenience. | *Unlike a base coat-clear coat type spray paint job where things must be done within certain time frames, a Rustoleum spray, roll and brush job can be started and stopped at the painter's convenience. | ||
*Though Rustoleum Paints are based on the previous alkyd enamels, a process that had been abandoned to new processes that included clear coats, this method remains a very doable method for an inexpensive home project to put paint on your vehicle. Plus, using enamel is generally far less toxic than using a urethane based paint...particularly in an enclosed environment like a garage. | *Though Rustoleum Paints are based on the previous alkyd enamels, a process that had been abandoned to new processes that included clear coats, this method remains a very doable method for an inexpensive home project to put paint on your vehicle. Plus, using enamel is generally far less toxic than using a urethane based paint...particularly in an enclosed environment like a garage. | ||
| − | *Using Rustoleum allows 3 proven methods of application | + | *Using Rustoleum allows 3 proven methods of application: |
**ROLLER, being a rather labor intensive roller application but can have very acceptable results. | **ROLLER, being a rather labor intensive roller application but can have very acceptable results. | ||
| − | **RATTLE CAN (spray can), | + | **RATTLE CAN (spray can), providing a means to apply paint by spray methods without requiring the otherwise expensive hardware that a shop might need |
| − | **Spray gun with compressor (figure $200), which is by far the best way to go | + | **Spray gun with compressor (figure $200), which is by far the best way to go |
*Rustoleum Automotive Paint products for an inexpensive method to apply an easy professional look with Rust-Oleum Auto Paints | *Rustoleum Automotive Paint products for an inexpensive method to apply an easy professional look with Rust-Oleum Auto Paints | ||
* Durable, long lasting finishes resist rust, nicks and scratches | * Durable, long lasting finishes resist rust, nicks and scratches | ||
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* UV and weather resistant for superior color and sheen "ref A" | * UV and weather resistant for superior color and sheen "ref A" | ||
*Rust-Oleum Auto Enamel Spray provides a long-lasting color finish with superior gloss retention. It’s durable long lasting finish resists nicks and scratches. "ref B" | *Rust-Oleum Auto Enamel Spray provides a long-lasting color finish with superior gloss retention. It’s durable long lasting finish resists nicks and scratches. "ref B" | ||
| − | *Brilliant metallic finish. "ref C" (sand down to bare metal. | + | *Brilliant metallic finish. "ref C" (sand down to bare metal. Otherwise, marks and imperfections will readily show. Avoid rolling or foam brush) |
| − | *Stops Rust formula. "ref C" (available in quarts or gallons for some of their colors. | + | *Stops Rust formula. "ref C" (available in quarts or gallons for some of their colors. Requires a spray gun and compressor for best results) |
*Any-angle spray technology. "ref C" | *Any-angle spray technology. "ref C" | ||
* Rustoleum Automotive Enamel Paints, spray or can, Ideal for use on Automobiles, Cycles, Trucks, ATV's, Engines, Wheels, Wheel Wells, Bumpers, Truck Beds, Car Underbody, Plastic, Metal, Car Interior Accessories, And much more! "ref A" | * Rustoleum Automotive Enamel Paints, spray or can, Ideal for use on Automobiles, Cycles, Trucks, ATV's, Engines, Wheels, Wheel Wells, Bumpers, Truck Beds, Car Underbody, Plastic, Metal, Car Interior Accessories, And much more! "ref A" | ||
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====Cons==== | ====Cons==== | ||
*Rustoleum frankly can not compare with a "catalyzed" or "two part" automotive paint for durability and hardness. | *Rustoleum frankly can not compare with a "catalyzed" or "two part" automotive paint for durability and hardness. | ||
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*Rustoleum enamels also lack the "depth" of color that many other types of paints have, though some people like the look as it compares well with many 1960's factory enamel paint jobs in appearance. | *Rustoleum enamels also lack the "depth" of color that many other types of paints have, though some people like the look as it compares well with many 1960's factory enamel paint jobs in appearance. | ||
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=====Application===== | =====Application===== | ||
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Amateurs have applied Rust-oleum by spraying, rolling, and foam brushing. The last two methods will require significant sanding in an attempt to remove the roller or foam brush marks (bristle brushes are impossible; forget them!). Also when rolling or brushing to get good results one should expect to put down up to ten VERY thin (reduced) coats of paint. However, regardless of the care taken to apply your primer (such as "Ultimate Finish") and final coats of gloss enamel, rolling or foam brushing marks will definitely show up when applying the gloss enamel! It will shock you! Best results for both their primer and gloss enamels can be achieved with a spray gun and compressor of reasonable quality. "Decent" results (you don't really care how it looks, just cover the rust and dents, and move on to something else in you life) can be achieved using the roller or foam brush application methods. | Amateurs have applied Rust-oleum by spraying, rolling, and foam brushing. The last two methods will require significant sanding in an attempt to remove the roller or foam brush marks (bristle brushes are impossible; forget them!). Also when rolling or brushing to get good results one should expect to put down up to ten VERY thin (reduced) coats of paint. However, regardless of the care taken to apply your primer (such as "Ultimate Finish") and final coats of gloss enamel, rolling or foam brushing marks will definitely show up when applying the gloss enamel! It will shock you! Best results for both their primer and gloss enamels can be achieved with a spray gun and compressor of reasonable quality. "Decent" results (you don't really care how it looks, just cover the rust and dents, and move on to something else in you life) can be achieved using the roller or foam brush application methods. | ||
| − | Another method some | + | Another method some use is purchasing Rust-oleum in 12 ounce spray cans. At $25-30+ for a 6 can pack, your best bet is Rust-Oleum's Ultimate Finish rusty metal primer. Offers decent coverage per can. Over spray with the gloss enamels is high, so coverage is much less. Definitely wear a decent mask with the gloss enamels. Then throw it away or change the organic filter(s) (more at '''[[Health and safety in the shop or garage#Respiratory protection|Respiratory protection]]''' in the Crankshaft Coalition wiki page, ''[[Health and safety in the shop or garage]]''. Color choice is limited. Cheapest prices are for white or black. |
==Why is the "cheapo" paint job so tempting?== | ==Why is the "cheapo" paint job so tempting?== | ||
*The learning curve: selecting equipment and learning how to use it, choosing finish products, getting a few screw-ups under your belt. | *The learning curve: selecting equipment and learning how to use it, choosing finish products, getting a few screw-ups under your belt. | ||
| − | *Automotive paint costs a lot (figure $300+ per gallon | + | *Automotive paint costs a lot (figure $300+ per gallon at 2012 prices). People who have never bought car paint are used to paying "house paint" prices for paint, so hundreds per gallon seems very high |
*The satisfaction of a "do it yourself" project completed. | *The satisfaction of a "do it yourself" project completed. | ||
| − | *Forum posts often show cheapo paint jobs that appear to be high | + | *Forum posts often show cheapo paint jobs that appear to be high quality. |
==Why not do a "cheapo" paint job?== | ==Why not do a "cheapo" paint job?== | ||
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==When is a "cheapo" paint job appropriate?== | ==When is a "cheapo" paint job appropriate?== | ||
| − | *Work truck | + | *Work truck |
| − | *Beater | + | *Beater |
| − | *Race car | + | *Race car |
| − | *Vehicle that will see farm or utility use | + | *Vehicle that will see farm or utility use |
| − | *Learning basic paint techniques | + | *Learning basic paint techniques |
| − | *Vehicles with a sufficiently low market value such that spending the money required for a traditional paint job doesn't make economic sense | + | *Vehicles with a sufficiently low market value such that spending the money required for a traditional paint job doesn't make economic sense |
| − | *Art car | + | *"Art" car |
| − | *A vehicle that probably won't be seeing too many more years | + | *A vehicle that probably won't be seeing too many more years |
==The "right" way to properly paint a car== | ==The "right" way to properly paint a car== | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
| − | *[http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/good-hot-rod-mag-aproved-paint-must-read-128119.html "Hot Rod Mag-approved" paint job] | + | ;Hotrodders bulletin board threads |
| − | *[http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/how-paint-your-car-75-00-no-kidding-128092.html How to paint your car for $75 -- no kidding] | + | *[http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/good-hot-rod-mag-aproved-paint-must-read-128119.html "Hot Rod Mag-approved" paint job], November 13, 2007 |
| − | * | + | *[http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/how-paint-your-car-75-00-no-kidding-128092.html How to paint your car for $75 -- no kidding], November 13, 2007 |
| − | * | + | ;From rustoleum.com |
| − | * | + | *[http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGCategory.asp?cid=10 ''UV and Weather protection''], product info page |
| + | *[http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=12 ''UV protection and color retention and gloss retention''], product info page | ||
| + | *[http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=511 ''Metallic finish, rust stop, spray tech''], product info page | ||
==Resources to review== | ==Resources to review== | ||
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*http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=2331682&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1 | *http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=2331682&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1 | ||
*http://www.smartshoppersinc.com/Kirker/acrylic-urethanes.html | *http://www.smartshoppersinc.com/Kirker/acrylic-urethanes.html | ||
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*http://www.yachtpaint.com/holding_pages/finland/pdf/leaflet.pdf | *http://www.yachtpaint.com/holding_pages/finland/pdf/leaflet.pdf | ||
*http://www.boatus.com/boattech/TipRollingTipping.htm | *http://www.boatus.com/boattech/TipRollingTipping.htm | ||
*http://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=661533#Post661533 | *http://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=661533#Post661533 | ||
*http://www.instructables.com/id/Paint-your-own-car-for-under-200-or-how-I-learne/ | *http://www.instructables.com/id/Paint-your-own-car-for-under-200-or-how-I-learne/ | ||
| + | ;Hotrodders bulletin board threads | ||
| + | *http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/odd-painting-technique-does-work-107890.html | ||
| + | *http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/98-roller-paint-job-hot-rod-117274.html | ||
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