Paint - What this all about?

[Andy Dawson]

Ok, not really to do with my Surf - but relevent to the technical section
I've been restoring a WW2 searchlight and have had numourous problems with paint compatability. Use the wrong paint and I end up with the undercoat peeling off like I'd used a paint stripper!
So the question is. . . what is compatable with what.
We have just learnt not to use oil based paints and in the past we have learned that thee are different types of thinners.

Is there a definiative guide to what paint and thinners can be used with together?

I don't want to start using 2 pack paint as it is expensive and I don't have access to a proper paint shop.

Cosy is important here, having already spent over £4000 on this project already.

And advice most welcome - Thanks

[Tallyman]

You need to really clean the bare metal before trying to paint it. Is the metal steel or aluminium alloy? You may need an etching primer first, then try Hammerite smooth, either brush or spray. That should be cheap enough to try out and not too difficult to remove if it don't stick.

[CaptainBeaky]

Hi

General rule is to match like with like - i.e. don't cover an oil-based primer with a water-based paint or vice versa.

You should find paints from the same manufacturer, usually grouped together in a "paint system" will be compatible with each other, and will have information as to the correct thinners and cleaning agents.

The paint companies spend a lot of money on research to find the most effective combinations of varnishes, pigments and thinning agents - they don't do this for fun (and trust me, it ISN'T fun), but so they work...

Check the manufacturers information, use it, and preferably stick to one make of paint.

HTH


(Ex surface-coating research chemist, for my sins)

[Andy Dawson]

Thanks folks, part of the problem is my mate - who will rush off to the nearest DIY / Parts place and get what ever is cheep.

However we are stuff with using a particular top coat - original '40s Matt Green (the colour not the paint dates from then!)

Hammerrite stuff is not compatable with this paint (another lesson learned) and yep, the preperation is good (shot blasted or wire brush on an angle grinder, then chemically cleaned)

The problem area is using an ein-expensive gloss to seal it all off before applying the matt top-coat (which I'm told is porous)

Could be time to chaise up the chap who supplied the matt paint!