chuck l

My Feedback: (17)

I sprayed some white latex this afternoon and got a pretty good finish and coverage, the best I've done so far. However the finish feels like a very fine sandpaper. I'm using a HVLP gun, the paint was two parts paint to one part water and a small amount of Floetrol. Valspar latex enamel, satin white. The spray pattern shows very fine/small dots of paint, but yet it takes 5-10 minutes for the paint to dry. I'm thinking the dots of paint need to be a little big. Any suggestions to avoid getting the sandpaper feel?

Chuck

MarvinLoomis

My Feedback: (20)

Reduce the air pressure to the gun, and richen the material knob, more paint less pressure, but be careful of runs.

TomCrump

House painters use airless sprayers. I wonder if they would work ?

LesUyeda

Been there, done that, NEVER was successful. There is NO substitute for oil based or laquer.

Les

MarvinLoomis

My Feedback: (20)

Here's a couple of links that I used learning to use latex. See what you think.
www.wyliewarbirds.com/howto/paint/latexpaint.pdf

[DOC][h=3]Latex paint for models part 2 - Vailly Aviation[/h]

scale only 4 me

My Feedback: (158)

Les,, I disagree
After this rebuild, I'm sold on Behr Flat and Clear top coat
I'll never use "model paints" again,,

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/seap...-15-years.html

scale only 4 me

My Feedback: (158)

Chuck, my best result came from using the Behr Flat exclusively and thinning with denatured alcohol,, I didn't like the results with flotral. and the Valspar I tried didn't thin or spray as nicely as the Behr

It does sound like you have too much pressure at the tip and possibly didn't thin enough to spray easy. Guessing you need more pressure to push the paint,, that causes splatter.

I'd turn the pressure down at the compressor at try to find one of these to control flow,, Getting the paint thinned the right amount is the key.

$4 at harbor freight http://www.harborfreight.com/brass-a...tor-68220.html

Being able to control the flow right at the gun males a big difference also

Tom,
An airless would shoot way too much paint at once for our model needs,, a HVLP touch up gun or Airbrush are what I've used with great results

TomCrump

My comment was made in a satirical mode. It was made to reflect my belief that house paint belongs on houses, and not our models.

House paint is manufactured to a lower standard than industrial use paints. The pigment particles are larger, producing a somewhat rougher finish. This can be leveled out by coating with a clear, but in my mind, it doesn't look correct.

I manufactured latex paint for over 30 years. In that time, I never used it on a model, other than to paint a pilot. For me, there are better options.

Many use latex, and are happy with it. Nothing wrong with that.

I hope the OP solves his problems. There's nothing worse than getting a model to the point of painting, and have problems screw up all the hard work.

scale only 4 me

My Feedback: (158)

Ok ,, I was hesitant to try it also , but after seeing many guys using it with great success I'm glad I gave it a try

TomCrump

If you like it, use it ! The costs are certainly in line.

I just painted a 102" bird with auto paint. The bill was close to $100, by the time reducer and additives were added in.

chuck l

My Feedback: (17)

Thanks for the tips. I sprayed Behr paint yesterday and the finish was much better. Increasing the paint flow to get a wetter coat was the key.

Tom,
I can't spray with solvent based paints for various reasons. I was trying the latex as a cost savings measure over using Nelson's paints. Nelson's is pretty forgiving for a rank amateur like me.

Chuck

MarvinLoomis

My Feedback: (20)

Glad you had some luck Chuck, hope the information helped. Sure helped me out when I first started using latex.

LesUyeda

"My comment was made in a satirical mode. "

You forgot the smileies:-))))))))))) (how in the heck do you spell that????)

Les

DavidAgar

My Feedback: (108)

I am hooked on Home Depot Latex Paint. I can get the sampler size any color I want for $3.99. I use windshield washer fluid to thin it and I spray everything with an air brush or touch up gun. When I am done painting colors, I let it sit for 2 weeks and then clear coat it. Here is my latest. Good Luck, Dave

Ralph White

David, What are you using for the clear coat? Are you using glow fuel or gas?

Thanks,
Ralph White

DavidAgar

My Feedback: (108)

The plane has a Saito 150 4 cycle. I am using Varathane for clear coat. It is alleged to be good to 15 per cent nitro. I am careful to clean my plane after every flight. Good Luck, Dave