Fenders On :)

[Keith B]

Ahhh... thanks for the tip..yeah, it's pretty darn fresh.

[toypusher]

Polishing compound - fine. You may have to let it cure a few days, but the polishing compound should make it shine.

[Keith B]

Ahhh, well, they sold me a 4 part system... 1.) 1500 paper; 2.) rubbing compound, 3.) polishing compound, 4.) Hand glaze...but none-the less, I'll let 'er sit till Saturday and see what happens then - like you said, it's probably just to soft right now.

[critter]

Hey Keith,
Good work!

[Geron]

Ony one quick question.

Got my RAKA epoxy. The user manual says mix in 3 oz batches (2 oz resin and 1 oz hardener) Now that only covers about 2 sq feet or so.

Can't I mix in larger batches if I put it in a flat pan to keep the heat down?
What's the largest batch that keeps you from "slangin'" on the last bit before it gets too thick.

Mine has a pot life of about 25 minutes. 'Reckon I could mix as much as 12 oz. at a time???

I'm new at this.

g

[Podunkfla]

Thanks Kerry...I'm gonna give it a shot tonight on a little test area... I don't know if the paint is "hard" enough so I'm just gonna do a little test... I think it should work too.. at least it sounds good in writing doesn't it . Thanks for the tips; I'll keep ya posted. I founds some stuff by 3M called Rubbing Compound and Foam Polishing Glaze that said it works on urethane paint, so maybe the stars will align for me... I'm probablly being over anal on this, at least that's why my neighbors said, but still, why not try to do the best you think you can do... I can tell ya for sure I'm going to practice my spray ability for future builds and projects.

Well Keith... I think you just demonstrated that experience is the best teacher. There is a reason most of us eventually end up using spray equipment for finishing. It isn't hard to get the hang of and sure is easier to get a smooth run free end result with. I think it is just a lote easier and faster than doing it with a brush/roller. I'm sure you could spray Interluxe... I've sprayed everything from Rustoleum to epoxy. There are some advantages to using automotive paints as opposed to marine finishes, I think. They have evolved into products that dry to the touch in 15 minutes or less... so you end up with less stuff settling into you finish to buff out later. I have sprayed cars right out in the open many times with hardly any bugs or stuff getting in the paint. Most of the auto paints I use today are very forgiving in that they don't run or sag unless you really goof up bad. And, they hold up well to UV exposure. You can do a credible job with a cheap HF $29. HVLP gun... although good guns are even easier to use. Once you have tried spraying, you'll prolly never go back! Just more input from my humble experience finishing.

Your tear is really lookin good!

[madjack]

Ony one quick question.

Got my RAKA epoxy. The user manual says mix in 3 oz batches (2 oz resin and 1 oz hardener) Now that only covers about 2 sq feet or so.

Can't I mix in larger batches if I put it in a flat pan to keep the heat down?
What's the largest batch that keeps you from "slangin'" on the last bit before it gets too thick.

Mine has a pot life of about 25 minutes. 'Reckon I could mix as much as 12 oz. at a time???

I'm new at this.

g

G, I have certainly mixed up larger batches...when I was talking to Larry at RAKA, he recommended puting larger batches in a plastic paint roller pan to cut the heat...much as you have guessed...
madjack

[martha24]

Keith,
Your paint job is looking good! Waiting to see the pictures of your final coat. And of the progess of the rest of your tear.
My husband & I have been working away on ours and time seems to disappear quick, especially when I was still finishing up our taxes at the last minute.
Martha

[Keith B]

Well, there is no doubt that spraying would be the easier route...I'm just not confident enough in myself to do a project this size without a little more practice...all I can do is deal with what I've gotten myself into. I'll will post more pics of the finished job when it's more "different" and presentable. I hope to do some touchup tonight and set the TD on Sunday, so after that I'll give it whirl... I might try to spray the hatch...again, it's small enough to "deal with" if I have to sand again, etc. The dust is bad on the horizontal surfaces...I the vertical surfaces are quite a lot better... but still... work and work and do your best Yeah, auto paint might have been the way to go but I'm sure I can't shoot that over interlux without a pile of prep work, so I just need to make the best of the situation.

[Keith B]

OK.. I'm kinda bummed out.
I sanded the hatch down to the primer, wiped it clean with water 1x and with Acetone 3x...move to a completley seperate building, wiped down 3 more times, painted and low and behold still dust.... laying horizonal... well 1 more coat is due on the hatch so I plan on setting it up vertical and I hope this works... So, I'm soooooooo disgusted with the whole thing that I'm just about ready to finish it and put a ForSale sign on it.
The mistakes I made in "flattnening" it, filling and fairing, well, I accept that...but the paint...crap, I spent $200+ on paint and I could have gotten the same result from $20 worth of enamel... I'm no longer concerned with the roof as I hope it's "just" high enough for to many to not be to cirital, but I want the sides and hatch, "those which you see" to be nice. I will say, Interlux is a nice paint...but I guess my application just isn't upto my acceptability or "desire". I feel I've wasted the entire project due to the final finish.
Had all the windows tinted a week ago and there are still bubbles in them.. just seems like this last lil bit is starting to get on my neveres a little bit. I'm probably overly anal, but I guess I just demand excellence out to myself....anyway - hope to set the camper on the trailer Sunday, so I'll post pictures then, but I'm getting more disgusted than nomral... please tell me I'm not alone at this point in the game... what a pity parade huh...I think "overall" I'm starting to get burned out maybe? Anyway, enough ranting... hopefully with this last coat of paint on the hatch I can cure what needs cured; and I can sand and make it look at least acceptable.

[Miriam C.]

Ok, step away from the flame thrower. You need a day off and some fresh perspective.

Honestly my varnish has the runs again. I am thinking it is the Minwax and terminal.

What I really think after a year of reading every post is that it happens to even the best.

Anyone gives you some stuff bout little bumps send them to me.

[Keith B]

Thanks Miriam.....yeah, the "foundation" is important, but the finish is what they all see... and I'm gonna hold you to it...to take care of the "critics"...I really thought I had it; moving it to a completely different building, etc.....a friend of mine said that when I'm camping and after 6 beers I probably wont care .. he's prob. right.

[elmo]

Don't give up!!!!! I have flaws and I will probally be the only one that ever notices them. Did you know Durabak goes on different horizontal than vertical? Door texture is a little different (did those on saw horses today)...but once I get the trim and windows on tomorrow no one will notice.

Have a and get a good nights sleep!

[Lesbest]

If you are spraying paint and don't have a spray booth, build a small filter box. Use a cardboard box with a box fan in the open end. Cut holes in the 3 sides and tape furnace filters over the holes, blow the air out of the box, (filtered air). Sweep the floor with the doors open, then close doors, turn on fan to clean air and hose down everything to keep your feet from kicking up any dust. Watch dragging the hose. This should reduce the dust and bugs. This works to keep dust out of the air, also paint early morning or late night when there is no wind. Sweep off your clothes, and watch for lint. Cover your hair. When varnishing an old woodie to get that clean finish the last coats are done at 3-4 am and in your underwear so no lint or dust is carried in to float in the air. Hope this helps.
Les

[Juneaudave]

When varnishing an old woodie to get that clean finish the last coats are done at 3-4 am and in your underwear so no lint or dust is carried in to float in the air. Hope this helps.
Les

I ain't doing it in my underwear at 3-4 am, NO WAY!!! I've always preferred my spandex, flame orange, bikini swimming suit and latex showere cap!!! ...hee...heee.heee, giggle...giggle...giggle...

LOL