Instruction for Metal Flake Paint Spray Guns

Although conventional metallic colors are relatively easy to apply, metal flake products can be notoriously difficult to use. Because the size of flakes can vary so greatly, there is no single gun setup for universal application. Experience of using metal flake products can give the professional and amateur sprayer a distinct advantage but the constantly-changing world of automotive paints means that caution should always be administered. Application methods are only one part of a perfect job because the wrong choice of spray gun may leave a vehicle requiring a total repaint.

Instructions

1

Ensure the vehicle is correctly prepared using a compatible primer which has been rubbed down to a P800-grit finish. Wash down the panels with degreaser and wipe them dry with a clean piece of lint-free cloth. Before painting, wipe the surface of each panel with a tack cloth to remove foreign particles.

2

Apply three full coats of base color over the panels of the vehicle using a gravity-fed HVLP spray gun. Water-based paints should be applied from 4 inches with a spray gun fluid tip setup of 1.2 mm and solvent-based paints should be applied with a spray gun fluid tip set-up of 1.4 mm from a distance of 6 inches. Allow each coat to cure before a subsequent coat is applied. The previous coat should be matte in appearance before the next one is added.

3

Apply a final drop coat of base color from a distance of 12 inches to ensure effective distribution. Leave to cure before wiping away over-spray with a tack cloth. Activate the clear coat at a ratio of 2 parts material to 1 part of hardener and add 10 percent of compatible thinner to ensure the correct material flow. Add the metal flake content to the clear coat at 30 grams per liter of mixed product.

4

Determine the size of spray gun fluid tip setup by the size of the metal flakes. Small flakes will require a 1.3 mm setup but larger flakes can require a setup of anything up to 2.5 mm. Add a small quantity of metal flake clear coat to the gun and spray a small quantity onto a test panel. The material should flow evenly and there should be no signs of spluttering from the spray gun air cap. Experiment with different setups until the desired flow is achieved, using a gun spanner to change components.

5

Apply two full coats of metal flake clear coat from a distance of 6 inches, leaving a curing time of 5 minutes between coats. As long as the fluid tip setup is correct, the flakes will bind to the base color while the clear coat content spreads out over the surface of each panel to leave a flat finish. Allow the clear coat to dry overnight or force dry in a paint oven for 30 minutes at 160 degrees Fahrenheit.