Body and exterior tips
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| − | + | == Paint and spray guns== | |
| + | ===Handling and storing paints, finishes, and related products=== | ||
| + | *When opening a can of paint, punch a hole in the trough where the lid sits. That way excess paint will drain out of the trough and into the can, rather than splattering when placing the lid back on the can. | ||
| + | *Buy a set of inexpensive spatulas to use as scrapers for paint cans. | ||
| + | *To preserve hardener displace the air in the can with inert gas, such as that from a welding tank. Or, use a commercial inert gas finish preservative such as [http://www.bloxygen.com/ Bloxygen]. | ||
| + | *Paint and related finishing products can be mixed in glass measuring cups, medicine cups, soup cans, or shot glasses. However, [http://www.ezmix.com EZ Mix] cups are generally preferred for ease of use. Containers with measurements on the side are generally most useful. Be aware that if you use a container with tapered sides you cannot use a paint mixing stick, as this changes the mixing ratio as the cup gets larger towards the top. Paint sticks are only to be used in containers with straight sides. Paper cups are cautioned against because some may have a wax coating. Similarly, plastic cups or containers (medicine cups, yogurt containers, cleaned bottle caps, etc.) are also cautioned against. There are many different kinds of plastic, some of which are inappropriate for storing certain types of finishing products. | ||
| + | *Use inexpensive plastic condiment bottles to dispense buffing compounds, polish, and glazes. | ||
| + | *For easier pouring, affix a 2-inch piece of masking tape to the edge of a large gallon of paint. Pour the paint over the piece of tape. | ||
| + | *Use a ladle for handling paint. | ||
| + | *When purchasing new paint or other finishing products, write the date on them with black magic marker. | ||
| + | *For stirring paint, use inexpensive "jumbo sticks", tongue depressors, Popsicle sticks, wood sticks, or butter knives. | ||
| + | *Paint stirring sticks with marks for different mix ratios can be useful for mixing paint. | ||
| + | *When mixing double portions of paint or primer mix one portion at a time. For example, 8:2:1 is easier to keep track of than 16:4:2. After mixing each individual portion, add the two portions together and mix well again. This also cuts down on wasted material when you make a mistake (too much hardener, wrong reducer, etc.). | ||
| + | *When opening a gallon of paint that isn't all going to be used immediately, mix it very well and pour it off into quart cans. While pouring, intermix the paint; pour a little bit into each can at a time. | ||
| + | *Leftover paint with hardener can be placed in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will slow down the hardener. | ||
| + | *It's very important to keep the nozzles of spray cans clean. Be sure to shake spray cans for the amount of time listed on the can, no less. After shaking, turn the can upside down and spray once to clear the nozzle. When done spraying, turn the can upside down, and clear the nozzle and pickup tube by spraying out all of the paint that is inside them. Then wipe the nozzle clean with a suitable solvent. This will return the nozzle to nearly new condition and will greatly extend its life. For more details, see Brian Martin's article posted on the Hotrodders Bulletin Board: [http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/what-proper-way-spray-paint-can-41513.html#post285843 Rattle can basics]. | ||
| − | + | ===Spray guns and spraying technique=== | |
| + | *For consistent film build, don't start and stop at the same point every coat. For more information and photos, see Brian Martin's article posted on the Hotrodders Bulletin Board: [http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/tip-day-30-a-74674.html#post542621 Spray technique]. | ||
| + | *Don't end a pass right at the end of a panel, where the masking begins. To prevent buildup, and to ensure an even coat, run the color over into the paper a good distance (up to a foot has been recommended). | ||
| + | *Use proper gun travel techniques. For more information, see Brian Martin's article posted on the Hotrodders Bulletin Board: [http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/tip-day-30-a-74674.html#post542807 Basics of gun travel]. | ||
| + | *To paint something in a tight area without access, use a paper towel tube. Spray down the tube as it's held over the spot that needs to be painted. | ||
| + | *Using a file or a fine hack saw, scribe a line in the 12 o'clock position on your adjustment knobs when they are turned in all the way. This will make it easier to keep track of gun adjustments. | ||
| + | *Practice spray technique with water in the gun. | ||
| + | *For very small tasks, an airbrush may be helpful. | ||
| + | *For HVLP guns with low air requirements: | ||
| + | #Connect air fittings to a tee, and install a gauge. | ||
| + | #Connect the assembly to the gun, and then regulate the pressure at the compressor until it's at the desired level. | ||
| + | #Now, the assembly can be removed, and they'll be the proper pressure without all the extra hardware. | ||
| − | + | ====Cleaning spray guns==== | |
| + | *Never use anything metal for cleaning paint guns. | ||
| + | *Rubber-tipped dental tools for cleaning guns can be used for cleaning the holes in air caps. | ||
| + | *To clean metal parts of paint guns soak them in carburetor cleaner, and then rinse well. Don't soak plastic or painted parts. | ||
| + | *For many spray guns from [[Harbor Freight]] (a popular spray gun supplier), the finish will be removed when the gun is soaked in thinner or carburetor cleaner for cleaning purposes. | ||
| + | *Try using an ultrasonic cleaner (about $30, used for cleaning jewelry) for cleaning an HVLP gun. Lacquer thinner or glass cleaner have been recommended as potential solvents for use in an ultrasonic cleaner. | ||
| − | + | ==Stripping paint== | |
| + | See [[Stripping paint]]. | ||
| − | + | ==Sanding== | |
| + | See: [[Sanding]]. | ||
| − | + | ==Taping and masking== | |
| − | + | See: [[Taping and masking]]. | |
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| − | + | ==Body filler== | |
| − | + | See: [[Bondo]]. | |
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| − | + | ==Cleanliness== | |
| − | + | *Use only lint-free towels for cleanup. | |
| − | + | *Use clean cotton gloves for handling clean panels. Keep them stored clean, and wash when necessary. | |
| − | + | *Don't leave a roll of tape on its side on any surface that's about to be painted. The adhesive on the tape will leave a residue. | |
| − | + | *To keep your paint booth dust-free: | |
| − | + | **Seal concrete floors with white epoxy. Concrete can break down and turn to dust. | |
| − | + | **Put some linseed oil in a spray bottle, and mist any intake filters to catch dust. | |
| − | + | **Clean any overhead sprinklers before and after each paint job. Or place sandwich bags over them. | |
| − | + | **Try to eliminate vibrations from fans. | |
| − | + | *To clean panels between compound, polish, glaze, etc., use a 50/50 mixture of water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Panels can also be cleaned with wax and grease remover. | |
| − | + | *Don't use sprayable products in the immediate area prior to or following a paint job, for at least 24 hours. Products in the air could contaminate your paint job. | |
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==Assembly and disassembly== | ==Assembly and disassembly== | ||
*Use proper techniques for removing old or rusted bolts. See [[Removing rusted and broken fasteners]]. | *Use proper techniques for removing old or rusted bolts. See [[Removing rusted and broken fasteners]]. | ||
*To protect painted bolts, place a sandwich bag over the bolt head before pushing on the socket. | *To protect painted bolts, place a sandwich bag over the bolt head before pushing on the socket. | ||
| + | *Make sure you save and mark all alignment shims from all the body panels when you take them apart. It will give you a great starting place when you go to reassemble. | ||
*When aligning a body part that will require a lot of loosening and tightening, use mock-up bolts with plastic washers. When the panel fit is perfect, go back and change out the bolts one by one. | *When aligning a body part that will require a lot of loosening and tightening, use mock-up bolts with plastic washers. When the panel fit is perfect, go back and change out the bolts one by one. | ||
*When disassembling parts or vehicles, be organized. Plastic bags, tape, and a magic marker are essential. | *When disassembling parts or vehicles, be organized. Plastic bags, tape, and a magic marker are essential. | ||
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*Make paper templates for easy cutting and drilling. For more information and photos, see Brian Martin's article posted on the Hotrodders Bulletin Board: [http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/tip-day-13-a-71092.html Templates for accurate cutting and drilling]. | *Make paper templates for easy cutting and drilling. For more information and photos, see Brian Martin's article posted on the Hotrodders Bulletin Board: [http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/tip-day-13-a-71092.html Templates for accurate cutting and drilling]. | ||
*Before installing weld-on parts (core supports, quarter panels, rear panels, etc.), scuff the inside areas. It's easier to do this before parts are installed. | *Before installing weld-on parts (core supports, quarter panels, rear panels, etc.), scuff the inside areas. It's easier to do this before parts are installed. | ||
| − | *For doing small | + | *For doing small touch ups without ending up with a huge repair area from sanding, cut sanding discs down to size. |
*To remove creases and dents from plastic bumpers, heat them with a heat gun, and work the area while it's hot. A wallpaper seam roller can be used to work dents out from the back side of the bumper, and a window screen bead installer can be used to push creases down from the front. Flex filler can be used for finishing. | *To remove creases and dents from plastic bumpers, heat them with a heat gun, and work the area while it's hot. A wallpaper seam roller can be used to work dents out from the back side of the bumper, and a window screen bead installer can be used to push creases down from the front. Flex filler can be used for finishing. | ||
*When chemical stripping parts with heavy buildup: | *When chemical stripping parts with heavy buildup: | ||
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*Oil filter shells can be used for making recessed tail lights. They come in many different sizes, and the larger ones for commercial trucks may be especially useful. | *Oil filter shells can be used for making recessed tail lights. They come in many different sizes, and the larger ones for commercial trucks may be especially useful. | ||
*To make a custom body grommet, use a section of vacuum hose that's been split down the middle with a razor or similar tool. A photo of this can be seen here: [http://hotrodders.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/17678/size/big/cat/500/page/ Hotrodders Photo Gallery]. | *To make a custom body grommet, use a section of vacuum hose that's been split down the middle with a razor or similar tool. A photo of this can be seen here: [http://hotrodders.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/17678/size/big/cat/500/page/ Hotrodders Photo Gallery]. | ||
| − | *To pull weld studs easier than the pullers can that come with the cheap weld stud guns, weld a pair of | + | *To pull weld studs easier than the pullers can that come with the cheap weld stud guns, weld a pair of vice grips to a regular dent puller. They can be tack welded to a screw-on accessory and used as a new attachment. |
==Questionable or disputed tips== | ==Questionable or disputed tips== | ||
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[[Category:Body and exterior]] | [[Category:Body and exterior]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Good articles]] | ||
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