How to canopy Painting

[Skiddz]

With the HoK paint I use, I can peel tape off in less than 30 mins, shoot with intercoat clear (keeps the tape from peeling up the previous color) and retape for the next color in just about the same time.

The final clear I can handle in about 90 mins depening on how "hot" I mix the hardener. I usually let it sit overnight, then wet sand with 1000 grit then one more medium coat of clear. 24 hours later, I'll mount it up.

[TonyUK]

Whats the secret to a nice clear coat. Spray pressure, wet n dry, number of coats etc?

[Skiddz]

IMO, the product and it's application are equally important. I only shoot automotive clear and follow the manufacturer's instructions. I use a Sharpe paint gun or one of my airbrushes for small canopies.

[dj_rpr]

for clear coat, i use a HVLP gun..this means its pumps out alot of paint with miminal pressure. you want the clear to flow onto the surface and not be blasted on where it will run or not be smooth and even. its looks bad if the clear is not applied correctly...you can see the small runs or uneven application.

[fiveoboy01]

Simply an incredible thread, and a stunning paint job.

I am thinking I gotta get a setup for doing this. I've always liked art, I won several art competitions in high school. I know I could make some nice looking canopies.

Time to start searching

[Skiddz]

I like Airbrush Depot myself.

[kerhs]

Great thread, thank you very much dj_rpr........this should be made a sticky so it does not get lost.

[dj_rpr]

Airbrush depot is great, use them for my hardware.

Cheers all for the comments, get out there a do it its not that hard.

[BKF]

As someone just getting started, I find this thread full of great info! I picked up a compressor/airbrush combo, knowing the airbrush was junk. The compressor is a 0-100 PSI unit, and maintains at least 30 PSI when the airbrush is full open.

I'm looking at getting an Iwata brand airbrush as I keep seeing people recommend them. However, I was looking at the BCS model, with the siphon cups. Since I know I'm going to screw up at first, I figured having all my paints in cups ahead of time will allow me to quick-change paints (after running cleaner through the airbrush each time with another siphon cup) and allow me to go back to a color I may need again.

Are there any cons in a bottom feed siphon airbrush (Eclipse BCS), instead of the Eclipse CS (top gravity feed) model?

[bflores]

Just finished my Trex 500 custom canopy with spray paint cans and wet sandpaper (600 and 1000 grit). Everything was purchased from home depot (aprox $30). White canopy was $13. Used our office vinyl cutter (Roland Stika 15), for the logos.

This is what you can have for about $45, and a lot of material left over for many more! enjoy!

[corona007]

This has to be one of the best threads I have read here. Great info!!!!

[kerhs]

That looks really good Brian, well done. I'm gonna have to get one of these vinyl cutters!!

[budgienutz]

pity youve allready done this as thats the only cab i want now lol make me one for $$$$$

Originally Posted by dj_rpr

Clear Coat Time

I like to add some pearl into my clear, this is House of Kolor and works very well. You get a nice sparkle in the sun with this stuff, add a small amount to your clear and spray away.

[growler]

Hi guys

I'm just getting into the canopy painting thing and have done a fair amount of reading up on the forums, etc...

I've just shot the primer on my first canopy. It's a two part automotive primer.

Only problem is, is that I seem to have a buildup on certain areas and it looks very powdery. I'm sure I can sand it out, but does anyone know why it is doing that?


Thanks

Neil

[growler]

One other question...

Do most of you use an airbrush or a touch up gun to spray the main base coat?

[kerhs]

I use an airbrush, mainly because i do not have a touch up gun. Clear coat has been from a can so far.

Here's a canopy I have not long finished.

[Spooky68]

Just thought I'd add my praise too -

dj_rpr you are awesome and seriously talented!!!

Thanks for the thread.

[TonyUK]

I get a REALLY annoying problem of colour bleed under masking, whats the best way of preventing this from happening? Thanks for any inormation.

Tony.

[22charlie]

Hey dude an awesome job! However I have my reservations about using 2pac stuff in the home environment because of the isocyanate in the brew.That stuff will eat your lungs out lickety-split so I am told and we should be using a rebreather type mask or a completley separate air supply with pump etc.The auto guys I know tell me that stuff is bad news if you get a sniff of it!
Looks to me you are only using a filtered mask,whch supposedly is not worth a cupfull of crushed ice on isocyanate. I do appologise for raining on your parade and I am probably dead wrong. Are you comfortable with this?
I would like to give the 2pac clear a go but 'am to scared to use the stuff. I want to live long and prosper if you get my drift.
I would like to hear other opinions on this subject from the pros out there.

[Skiddz]

I use a 3M respirator with the proper filters in it. Don't recall exactly which ones they are at the moment, but the place I buy my HoK paint supplies 'em for me.