Gunsmithing Question with Duracoat matte clear coat...

[Sgt_Jamez]

I had my first attempt at using the matte clear coat last night and saw some white spotting in the coat. I did use the flattening agent. Has anyone seen this before? I am at work now and can't post a pic but if needed I can provide later.

On a side note... if the ambient temp is too high, does the DC take on a rough feel? The foliage green color (sprayed with flattening agent) has a rough feel to it and I am not sure if that's normal with the flattening agent or if it was just too hot to be spraying DC... 85F plus I would guess. Thanks for the input guys!

 

[locked&loaded]

Re: Question with Duracoat matte clear coat...

High temps and dry spraying can cause the whitening of the clear and rough texture of the color. Lauer carries DuraCoat Retarder. This additive slows down the evaporation rate. You can also try a lower air pressure to prevent the dry spraying.

 

[Sgt_Jamez]

Re: Question with Duracoat matte clear coat...

If I spray another coat of clear at a lower pressure and temp will that reduce the existing spots? Or is that a done deal?

Any way that I can fix what I buggered without stripping and starting over?

 

[veezer]

Re: Question with Duracoat matte clear coat...

I had similar issues with the additive so i ended up not using so much flattener (say I use 1/4 tsp of hardener, I use 1/8 tsp of flattener added to the matte clear) and making sure not to put it on too heavy and also make sure you get the air/paint mix wet enough that it doesnt dry in mid air before it hits the part. I use an hvlp gun and turn the air pressure down to 20 psi and back down the air/paint mix from what I use for the regular duracoat paint. You might be able to use a green scotch brite to carefully remove the spots in the clear then redo the clear.

 

[Sgt_Jamez]

Re: Question with Duracoat matte clear coat...

Great! I will try that. I looked at info on the Lauer site and they recommended to use reducer to reduce dry spray. Will that work?

 

[locked&loaded]

Re: Question with Duracoat matte clear coat...

The reducer will help you a bit but you don't want to reduce it too much. Low pressure and spray it on so you get a "wet" coat on the part.

 

[Sgt_Jamez]

Re: Question with Duracoat matte clear coat...

I tried scotchbrite scuffing and was unable to get all the spotting out. I did end up wearing through the Duracoat in some spots. So after some Jasco and steel wool I am now back to square one.

So:
1. Limit pressure to about 20 psi
2. Increase paint to air ratio for a wetter spray
3. Use retarder

I'll post back with results of take 2.

 

[daveog]

Re: Question with Duracoat matte clear coat...

The matte finish is by far the most difficult to spray. Use the retarder with low pressure. If you still have problems, call Lauer directly, they are extremely helpful.

 

[Sgt_Jamez]

Re: Question with Duracoat matte clear coat...

I ended up spraying everything down with Kleen-Strip and wiping all the DC off. After a thourough bath in brake cleaner and a wipe down with MEK, I re-sprayed the DC mixed 12:1 with about 10% reducer added. Low pressure... 20 psi... and more paint in the stream. It came out nice, however the sheen was glossy as expected with 12:1.

I am wondering if I can use the same 12:1 plus reducer plus flattening agent with the clear coat? I'd like to avoid having to place another order with Lauer (time issue).

Also I tried to call Lauer last week and kept getting dumped to voicemail.

 

[monteboy84]

Re: Question with Duracoat matte clear coat...

This problem is mainly caused by heat/humidity and trapping moisture in the paint. Try heating the part until it is warm to the touch before painting it, this should help your issue. I use a heatgun, but a hairdryer should do the trick with some patience.

-matt

 

[Sgt_Jamez]

Re: Question with Duracoat matte clear coat...

Ok so last night was round 2 with the clear coat. I really sprays different and I had a hard time adjusting the spray. I am totally untrained and all your help here is my tech school!

So I appreciate all the help. It seems to have turned out very nice. I will take photos in the daylight and post them. It would be a lot of help to have someone over-the-shoulder me to show me what is right or wrong. I am just pushing through the dark and the guuidance I get here sure helps. So thanks again to everyone who chimed in.