Painting Van, Filing and Prep Advice Needed

[volition82]

I'm going to be painting my van and i'd like to the best job I can so i'm after some advice on the best way/method to fill and prep it. I've done some filling and spraying before but never had any advice on the best way to go about it. I can get filler looking good with the primer on but as soon as I put a gloss top coat on you can notice it.

If someone could help with some advice on all aspects even the complete basics like grades of sandpaper, do and don'ts of applying the filler, how to sand it (direct of travel/pressure/block/electric sander? etc) or point me to videos/links on the subject I would be greatful.

 

[drjim]

Top of page, paint tutorial. I am finally getting some work done on my BMW resto so read the tutorial last night myself!

 

[volition82]

Thanks. Thats a clear case of opening your eyes before your mouth

 

[langy]

While the tutorial is a great introduction to paintwork it is a little out of date and could do with updating slightly

 

[malcolm]

While the tutorial is a great introduction to paintwork it is a little out of date and could do with updating slightly

If you fancy writing some updates or notes mentioning more modern equipment/materials I can add them in.

 

[Chickenjohn]

I'm going to be painting my van and i'd like to the best job I can so i'm after some advice on the best way/method to fill and prep it. I've done some filling and spraying before but never had any advice on the best way to go about it. I can get filler looking good with the primer on but as soon as I put a gloss top coat on you can notice it.

If someone could help with some advice on all aspects even the complete basics like grades of sandpaper, do and don'ts of applying the filler, how to sand it (direct of travel/pressure/block/electric sander? etc) or point me to videos/links on the subject I would be greatful.

here are some more painting prep hints and tips from another site http://www.citroen-restoration.co.uk/ds/painting.php

I think where you are going wrong is at each stage (filler, then primer sanding) you need to spray a guide coat- usually black or dark blue- and sand this off. Low spots and imperfections will be revealed by the paint colour being left behind.

For sanding filler, start with 80 grit, then 180/240, finally 400 before primer. Flat primer with 600-800 grit. Always use a block when sanding, not just your fingers! I like to use the Mirka Abranet vacuum system for sanding filler- available from Screwfix. No dust and the velcro perforated sanding sheets do not get blocked with dust.

 

[carlos 318is]

No one ever told me about this bit

mix up some really thin paint, say 75% thinners to 25% paint and give the panel one final 'wet' coat. This helps the paint melt back and give a really flat surface

 

[pedrobedro]

If you alter the thinners to paint ratio you will also need to rest your pressure and fan on the spraygun if you are spraying metallic or it could come out a different shade. Stick to what it says on the spec sheet for your paint and the pressures recommended for your gun.

 

[barrygibson]

No one ever told me about this bit

mix up some really thin paint, say 75% thinners to 25% paint and give the panel one final 'wet' coat. This helps the paint melt back and give a really flat surface

Yes and end up with nice big DRIPS right down your job lol
One final wet coat at that ratio mate and your going to be doing some serious sanding on day two of your paint job.
Even a 50-50 blowing in mix comes out like water.
75-25 will just kill the flash off time and leave you with(if it doesent just run off the panel)a dull finish.

Unless you know what your doing just stick to the manufacturers spec on the tin or failing that download the data sheet.

 

[carlos 318is]

So leave that bit well alone then

 

[langy]

Excellent advise, even after years of painting i wouldn't fancy laying on that wet a coat.

Yes and end up with nice big DRIPS right down your job lol
One final wet coat at that ratio mate and your going to be doing some serious sanding on day two of your paint job.
Even a 50-50 blowing in mix comes out like water.
75-25 will just kill the flash off time and leave you with(if it doesent just run off the panel)a dull finish.

Unless you know what your doing just stick to the manufacturers spec on the tin or failing that download the data sheet.

 

[malcolm]

Depends on the paint - using cellulose I've put a final 75% thinners coat on before in the past. Some old fashioned books recommend it as an option for finishing on top of a flatted surface.

Wouldn't try it with any paints other than cellulose.

 

[barrygibson]

Depends on the paint - using cellulose I've put a final 75% thinners coat on before in the past. Some old fashioned books recommend it as an option for finishing on top of a flatted surface.

Wouldn't try it with any paints other than cellulose.

Yes good old celly you could open the tin,give it a stir and throw it at the panel and still get a half right job lol,
trouble is non of our suppliers do it it anymore. most now are only doing waterbased paint. its not too bad actually(have you used it yet )its pretty forgiving and clean-up is a revelation with tap water
Its kinda weired to get your head around and you have to attack it with the hair dryer if you go too heavy lol.
Im now a cross between rolf harris and nicky clarke