BVM Bobcat 'Refinishing'
 

Gents

I have a bobcat in the new navy scheme, my plan is to sand, fill, prime and eventually respray the joining seams i wil do the underside of the booms first as I am a complete noobie when it comes to these techniques, and if I **** it up then my handiwork should remain unseen[:-]
My question is regarding clear coating, is a two coat technique ('dusting' followed by final) necessary or as the finish is already shiny is just the final coat sufficient? any guys with paint and lacquer experience your hints and tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Phil.

RE: BVM Bobcat 'Refinishing'
 

IMHO, I think you are asking for more work than will be justified...you'd be better off starting with a white airframe and prepping/painting to your desired scheme.

Biggest challenge will be matching colors and blending in the seams without making the effort stand out...also you'll need to protect the existing finish from damage while you fill, sand, and prep the seam areas. More work than doing from scratch, and if you are just cleaning up the seams on an otherwise "stock" color scheme, few people will notice the difference.

re clearing - depends on the gun and finish type you are using....generally a good scuff over the existing finish with the fine (gray?) Scotchbrite pad to break the shine, then color sand the newly sprayed areas with a minimum of 600 grit wet to blend and smooth the oversprayed areas, then one light tack coat of well thinned clear, let flash off then follow by a wet coat of clear.

I've used PPG DCU 2002 and Omni MC260, 2-part gloss clears with a Sata minijet HVLP, tack coats are thinned 80% with fast reducer, final coat thinned 50% with fast reducer (if below 70 degrees) or slow if above, running 40 PSI at the gun. This is more reducer than the mfrs recommend but keeps the weight down. ;)

good luck!

Barry

RE: BVM Bobcat 'Refinishing'
 

hi phil i agree with barry if you get this wrong it will look a mess, i do this type of work all the time as its my job but if you still want to do it pm me and i will give you my phone number and i will help you all the way email is [email protected] regards jonathan