paint tips

06 Aug 2004 paint tips

I will give you my favorite finish/paint system that I know gives excellent results. This certainly isn’t the only good way but is one used on many beautiful RV’s.
Fiberglass Parts:
1) Contour and repair with “micro” (epoxy and microballoons) mixed to Peanut butter consistency
2) Sand repaired area and lightly scuff rest of piece
3) Squeegee “micro” mixed to molasses consistency over entire surface. Use an appropriate size rubber squeegee (I use a 8″ one made for cleaning auto windshields on the cowling) Scrape the micro off the squeegee and continue squeegeeing. If done correctly you’ll only use about 3 oz. on the lower RV8 Cowl. (The Epoxy cures slow enough to give you time to really squeegee off the excess whereas any of the polyester glazes cure too fast for multiple direction squeegeeing.
4) Lightly sand off any nibs. (Heavy sanding at this point would open new pinholes)
5) Spray on two full wet coats of Dupont Uro or PPG K36 Primer. These are both High Build, Easy sanding Urethane Primers. Available in Buff or Gray.
6) Wetsand with 240 wet/dry and inspect for pinholes or imperfections
7) Use a flowable polyester glazing putty on any remaining pinholes or imperfections. (there won’t be many)
8) Spray on a final coat of primer
9) Wetsand with 400, wipe with “Final Wipe” or acrylic enamel reducer, Tack Rag!
10) Spray with Dupont Imron or PPG Concept Paint.

Esten Spears, RV8A, 80922, N922ES (reserved), Leeward Air Ranch

Another great link to filling in pinholes is here:

http://www.maddyhome.com/canardpages/pages/waynehicks/chapter_25_skimcoating.htm

Al Malecha strongly recommends using UV Smooth Prime. I bought a can to try it.