Body and exterior tips

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(Paint and spray guns)
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== Paint and spray guns==
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http://radovan-karadzic.findpole.com Karadzic Radovan
===Handling and storing paints, finishes, and related products===
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*When opening a can of paint, punch a few holes in the trough where the lid sits. That way, excess paint will drain out of the trough and into the can, rather than splattering when placing the lid back on the can.
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*Buy a set of inexpensive spatulas to use as scrapers for paint cans.
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*To preserve hardener, displace the air in the can with inert gas, such as that from a welding tank. Or, use a commercial inert gas finish preservative such as [http://www.bloxygen.com/ Bloxygen].
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*Paint and related finishing products can be mixed in glass measuring cups, medicine cups, soup cans, or shot glasses. However, [http://www.ezmix.com EZ Mix] cups are generally preferred for ease of use. Containers with measurements on the side are generally most useful. Be aware that if you use a container with taipered sides you cannot use a paint mixing stick, as this changes the mixing ratio as the cup gets larger towards the top. Paint sticks are only to be used in containers with staight sides.  Paper cups are cautioned against because some may have a wax coating. Similarly, plastic cups or containers (medicine cups, yogurt containers, cleaned bottle caps, etc.) are also cautioned against. There are many different kinds of plastic, some of which are inappropriate for storing certain types of finishing products.
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*Use inexpensive plastic condiment bottles to dispense buffing compounds, polish, and glazes.
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*For easier pouring, affix a 2-inch piece of masking tape to the edge of a large gallon of paint. Pour the paint over the piece of tape.
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*Use a ladle for handling paint.
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*When purchasing new paint or other finishing products, write the date on them with black magic marker.
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*For stirring paint, use inexpensive "jumbo sticks", tongue depressors, Popsicle sticks, wood sticks, or butter knives.
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*Paint stirring sticks with marks for different mix ratios can be useful for mixing paint.
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*When mixing double portions of paint or primer, mix one portion at a time. For example, 8:2:1 is easier to keep track of than 16:4:2. After mixing each individual portion, add the two portions together and mix well again. This also cuts down on wasted material when you make a mistake (too much hardener, wrong reducer, etc.).
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*When opening a gallon of paint that isn't all going to be used immediately, mix it very well and pour it off into quart cans. While pouring, intermix the paint; pour a little bit into each can at a time.
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*Leftover paint with hardener can be placed in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will slow down the hardener.
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*It's very important to keep the nozzles of spray cans clean. Be sure to shake spray cans for the amount of time listed on the can, no less. After shaking, turn the can upside down and spray once to clear the nozzle. When done spraying, turn the can upside down, and clear the nozzle and pickup tube by spraying out all of the paint that is inside them. For more details, see Brian Martin's article posted on the Hotrodders Bulletin Board: [http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/what-proper-way-spray-paint-can-41513.html#post285843 Rattle can basics].
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===Spray guns and spraying technique===
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*For consistent film build, don't start and stop at the same point every coat. For more information and photos, see Brian Martin's article posted on the Hotrodders Bulletin Board: [http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/tip-day-30-a-74674.html#post542621 Spray technique].
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*Don't end a pass right at the end of a panel, where the masking begins. To prevent buildup, and to ensure an even coat, run the color over into the paper a good distance (up to a foot has been recommended).
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*Use proper gun travel techniques. For more information, see Brian Martin's article posted on the Hotrodders Bulletin Board: [http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/tip-day-30-a-74674.html#post542807 Basics of gun travel].
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*To paint something in a tight area without access, use a paper towel tube. Spray down the tube as it's held over the spot that needs to be painted.
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*Using a file or a fine hack saw, scribe a line in the 12 o'clock position on your adjustment knobs when they are turned in all the way. This will make it easier to keep track of gun adjustments.
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*Practice spray technique with water in the gun.
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*For very small tasks, an airbrush may be helpful.
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*For HVLP guns with low air requirements:
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#Connect air fittings to a tee, and install a gauge.
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#Connect the assembly to the gun, and then regulate the pressure at the compressor until it's at the desired level.
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#Now, the assembly can be removed, and they'll be the proper pressure without all the extra hardware.
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====Cleaning spray guns====
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*Never use anything metal for cleaning paint guns.
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*Rubber-tipped dental tools for cleaning gums can be used for cleaning the holes in air caps.
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*To clean metal parts of paint guns, soak them in carburetor cleaner, and then rinse well. Don't soak plastic or painted parts.
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*For many spray guns from Harbor Freight (a popular spray gun supplier), the finish will be removed when the gun is soaked in thinner or carburetor cleaner for cleaning purposes.
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*Try using an ultrasonic cleaner (about $30, used for cleaning jewelry) for cleaning an HVLP gun. Lacquer thinner or glass cleaner have been recommended as potential solvents for use in an ultrasonic cleaner.
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==Stripping paint==
 
==Stripping paint==

Revision as of 12:37, 25 July 2008

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