This installment is subtitled - 'next time I'll give the lot to Doug Cox'...
Having booted out our christmas guests I settled in to setting up a temporary spray booth in the shed then set about painting around 40 items with Frost's Extreme chassis Paint system which comprises a black primer and either gloss or satin top coat. Each part had 2 primer coats, 48 hours curing time, then a flat back with 400 grade wet and dry used wet, then 2 top coats.
Al in all, it took bleedin' ages but I think it's turned out OK. Eastwood, who make the paints, specify a spraying temperature of no less than 65 degrees. Fat chance! Round my way it's been in the minuses since November so the job involved whipping the parts outside, quick spray, then dash'em back indoors. The spray booth was set up for the frame which couldn't be moved.
Be warned that these paints contain some seriously nasty stuff so I suited up and bought a good respirator, even when spraying outside.
Have to say, spraying the frame was a PIG and filthy with it - next time I'll get it done by Doug!
Here's a few snaps anyhow:
One little tip which I pass on with the express disclaimer 'DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME KIDS' is to GENTLY WARM the aerosols prior to spraying. It helps achieve a good finish 'out of the tin'. Also blow the nozzle through frequently with aerosol spray prep. Here's my rig:
Now for a few pics of the finished items. This is the stage where you need to be patient. All the parts need to cure properly before being handled. I'm going to leave them alone for at least 2 weeks - probably more.
One last experiment I thought I'd try would be to use one of the 'plate in a can' silver finishes. this is a highly reflective coating and I thought it might be good for the underside of the rear mudguard, which is not being re-plated.
Trick with all such finishes is to lacquer them once they're cured. This should afford some protection, though I don't expect the finish to last forever. But I reckon it should look quite presentable, and nicer than whats there currently - ie rust.
Because this finish is highly reflective I needed to prep the surface thoroughly to achieve a smooth finish. that meant grinding away all rust pitting with various sanding discs, then fibral mopping to provide a final smooth uniform surface.
Lastly, clean at least 3 times with cellulose thinners. The primer used is Eastwood self etching which will provide a good key to the metal.
Once again, a LOT of prep time, but it's looking good so far!
All in all, I'll be glad to get back to work on Monday and put me feet up