Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

For anyone interested in this type of metal finish...here's the latest...the photo on the right is what I did on the first tear...done with a DA sander and 220 grit paper...the one on the left is what is going to be on the "Road Titan" I bought a hook and loop face plate for the grinder, used 220 grit paper...same on the first one...this grinder, actually a polisher has a variable speed so I was able to slow it down and get a "coarser" look to the scuff...also a lot quicker than the DA...I also noted that the 108" material off a coil was a different alloy than what I had used before, or at least it appears to be...didn't sand the same at all... the final clear coat is going to be a little different this time around.... Doug

So neat. Can't figure out which I like best.

Miriam

Thanks Miriam...using this new technique I managed to get the exterior finish on the metal to have the little fingers in it, similar to what I have on the wood details on the interior...Doug

...way to go Dougie...there ya go raisin'' the bar on the rest of us again .......

Doug-

I like the finish. My question is once you have finish the sanding what do you use to proctect the finish. Do you add any clear coat, etc?

Both look good.

Thanks

Bill

Bill...I spray it first with a product called Bulldog...it is an adhesion promoter, same stuff used to make paint stick to plastic bumpers, then shoot over that with automotive clear...spraying clear on a finish like this is without a doubt the toughest spray I've ever done...since it's clear and you're looking at the flash from the metal underneath, it's hard to tell if you have it on without orange peel...I have to have someone hold lights so that I can check the reflection as I spray so it doesn't end up being dry or getting a sag in it. I don't have a spray booth...just a garage and accomodating neighbors...The beauty is...no stains on the aluminum from birds, salt etc....and I can wax it like a car!!! Doug

Doug-

Thanks for the info. SO this product Bulldog - one can get it at a auto finish supplier? So basically you are scuffing the Bulldog product - neat.

Bill

...actually, he is scuffing the Al then spraying Bulldog and then clear......................................................

Thanks - Now I understand. Can one get this Bulldog adhesion promoter in larger then 12oz spray can?

Bill

Bill, it is available in quarts and I'm sure larger quanities...don't get hung up on the brand name Bulldog...most all the paint systems have an adhesion promoter for just this purpose...just talk to the paint guys and ask what they suggest for whatever brand paint they are selling...and yes...you don't want to do this out of a rattle can...too much surface...Doug