Practically Classics Forum

I'm about to respray my MG Midget using a hvlp sprayer. I am planning to spray it outside, under my carport

The bonnet, boot, doors etc will be sprayed seperately from the body shell.

I am a complete novice in terms of spraying experience and want to know what type of paints are easiest to use and will give the best finish.

Also how many coats of primer and paint is it best to spray?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Andy, with all due respect - and by the tone of your post I don't think you'll have a problem with this - if you are a complete novice I suspect there are a whole host of things you need to know, apart from the questions you've asked.

Rather than give a full blow-by-blow set of instructions for painting here, I strongly suggest that you acquire one or two of the very excellent books available on the subject, written for just this scenario in mind.

A couple come to mind, written by the magazine's very own Martin Thaddeus, also an active member of this forum (I'm sure he'll be along before too long to add to this thread)

One of them is here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Restore-Cla ... 525&sr=1-3

And probably even more relevant here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Paint-Classic-E ... 525&sr=1-4

I think if you have a read of these (particularly the second one) they will answer your questions and a whole host more - i.e. questions that you hadn't even thought of asking!

Hope that helps

I have to agree with Luxo. There are loads of variables and without doing a bit of reading, your paint job will probably end in tears.

I've used a HVLP gun with enamel and acrylic lacquer with good results. I don't think there is any issue with the material, just choose the correct size tip for your gun. Again, reading up will help with that.

Luxo is as always spot on.I too was a complete novice and aquired Martin's book (the latter of Luxo's list).After much reading and research I used cellulose primer and top coat to achieve a very passable finish on my Rapier with a HVLP gun.Remember prepartion,preparation and more preparation.
Good luck with it all.
Johnc

p.s.I did consider using two pack but I concluded without the correct breathing equipment etc it can be lethal. also I would have thought spraying outside with it is a definate no no. Others with more experience will no doubt comment more on this point.

Hello There

Sorry for not replying earlier, as the winter has warmed so I have gotten the most horrid cold.

Anyhow, I think Lux is correct as usual, and it does sound like you need to get a bit more au fait with the whole process before you get stuck in to B, this will save you time effort and money. Not to mention hair.-which you will pull out in frustration.

If you want to message me that would ok, or my book will take you through each aspect of the process. -and that is key, complete each aspect and then get your head around the next one.

Good for you for doing the job yourself though.

....and the simple answer to your original question is use either Cellulose or 2k, 2k is more stable and harder, but it is also the more anti-social and toxic. A lot of people will tell you that Celly is the easier to use.. until they get into 2k and then they say the opposite.