Painting question

OK, so when I sand something in preparation for a rattle-can paint job, what do I need to clean the part with before spraying??
I have never had good results with rattle-can paint. Maybe y'all can help me figure out how to improve it. Any tips are appreciated.

 

What exactly are you painting?

 

Well, I'm going to paint the center caps on my Level 8 MK6 wheels. But it never turns out well. I recently painted my grill emblem and it came out pitted looking and not smooth at all. I used adhesion promoter and Perfect Match paint. Up close, it looks horrible. Over the years, I've come to realize that I must be doing something wrong.

 

Adhesion promoter is a good start. Follow up with LIGHT coats of primer. About three or so should do. If it's rough and kind of dusty that's a good thing. Then lay down your paint slowly. A few mist coats to get some paint on there. Then start laying it down a little thicker. About 5 or more coats of paint. The last one lay down kind of heavy. Not so much that it runs but should look nice and wet. You can wet sand and go for clear coat after that if you desire, Good luck!

 

^ Yup. You can use a degreaser and then denatured alcohol before painting. Don't put it on heavy at first, and wait for it to dry to tacky between coats. Using a tack cloth (cheese cloth with a sticky substance on it, you can find it at Home Depot) between coats can help eliminate dust, and wetting down the surrounding area can help hold dust down, too.

You need just enough paint to cover and get a smooth finish. Too much paint is bad.

 

OK, so denatured alcohol is good? After I "scuff", I should just wipe down with that and let dry?

 

If you really want it to last, find a local powder coater and have them done there.

Rattle can paint does not hold up well.

 

I always just use a very lightly damp lint free towel and wipe it down and let it dry.

 

I would use a degreaser first just to eliminate any oils (Purple Power, Simple Green, etc.), then follow with alcohol. Denatured or isopropyl is fine.

 

+1 for being so knowledgeable, well said!

 

First a degreaser, then adhesion promoter, primer, then paint.

 

LUSETACO said it best.

1) Acetone wipe the cap before priming. Not totally necessary though.

2) Scuff sand with a 3M, scotchbrite type pad

3)Mist coats (10" away from the caps) first with primer. Use a 3M type sanding pad and light sand. Prime again holding the can a bit closer, then sand the same way again.

4) 3-4 coats of finish, progressively holding the can closer until your last coat is an even wet coat.

 

I use lacquer thinner to clean before painting.

1) Clean with lacquer thinner(DO NOT TOUCH IT AFTERWARDS)
2) Primer(DO NOT TOUCH IT!)
3) Paint
4) Done

I've always had excellent results. Also don't paint in direct sunlight and do not paint when the humidity is super high.

 

Lacquer works, but careful when, how much and on what material use use it on. That will eat through plastic if you don't wipe it all off.