Spraying is really the only way you are going to get a good finish. But if you can't afford it then I would use a foam brush and roller and not bother thinning it. Good quality paint is worth the money, painters touch is garbage. If you go to any paint store or big box homecenter they now have 4oz sample bottles of their premium paint available for a few bucks. They will mix custom colors or stock colors. A good spray setup can be had foraround $150 from Harbor freight. water separation is normal, thats why I use alcohol, washer fluid or denatured works. Did you use a primer underneath first? It really helps and with some colors you need a tinted primer. Good luck.
ORIGINAL: DaveB
I am in the process of painting my Dynaflite Chipmunk with latex and so far I am not getting the results I had hoped for. First off, I do not have spray equipment and have been using both a good quality synthetic brush and a small foam roller. The paint is Rustoleum (Painter's Touch) Premium Latex and the color is sun yellow gloss. The wing is covered with natural Solartex and the fuselage is fully sheeted and fiberglassed with Minwax water based polycrylic. Brush marks are visible even though very light pressure is applied while painting. When rolled the paint appears somewhat moddled in that darker yellow spots are visible on the lighter areas. On the plus side, with 2 coats, the additional weight seem minimal. My next attempt will be with a Preval portable sprayer.
I have added 1 oz floetrol to 4 oz of latex and thinned with about 2 oz. of water. I didn't use the windshield washer fluid as I thought the blue color would tint the yellow to a light shade of green. Also, the following day the water separates from the latex in the left over paint. Is this normal?
Are the mix ratios O.K.? Should I try a different brand of paint? Any thoughts appreciated.
Thanks,
DaveB