Blending problem

orangejuiced86 said:
Given the size of that clear edge I personally would sand that area with 320/400. Put 2 coats of unreduced epoxy to seal off the edge(just spot in on the edge of the melte in clear), block it out and start the paint job over.

Just my opinion, I just have been burned with mapping and once it's cleared and polished you gotta live with it.
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2 coats of epoxy applied.
 
Set about 2.5 feet away from panel for 30 mins and then do your next step after it cools to room temp
 
orangejuiced86 said:
No, but mixing it 1:1 with an intercoat on the blend area can help transition the color. I've really only done that on lighter colors like silver and such..

Other than that I just typically change my phone number after a blend job...
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Change your number lol that’s hilarious. I’ve had the same number for 20 years I must be doing something right? Lol
 
crashtech said:
Congratulations, this is probably the best investment a small body and paint operator can make.
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Thanks Crashtech. I am a hobbyist who is just trying to learn the trade. This lamp is a nice addition to my auto repair arsenal. I think Barry overlooked your question. I used as he recommended on the epoxy yesterday and was able to block it out without any issues. One of the other great purchases I made last year was a 8" Bondo Hog, love that thing!
Any suggestions on how I should use this lamp during the base coat stages and after I clear the panel?
Mixing the base coat now (using as you suggested SPI's slow reducer). I read and reread yours and everyone's suggestions.
 
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Tommyllama said:
Thanks Crashtech. I am a hobbyist who is just trying to learn the trade. This lamp is a nice addition to my auto repair arsenal. I think Barry overlooked your question. I used as he recommended on the epoxy yesterday and was able to block it out without any issues. One of the other great purchases I made last year was a 8" Bondo Hog, love that thing!
Any suggestions on how I should use this lamp during the base coat stages and after I clear the panel?
Mixing the base coat now (using as you suggested SPI's slow reducer). I read and reread yours and everyone's suggestions.
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The way to use the lamp correctly is with a non-contact infrared thermometer. Turn the lamp off when spraying, but between coats make sure the entire surface of the panel is over 65°. Usually you can do this by having the lamp 6-8 feet away or so. Once the basecoat is finished you can heat the panel up to 120° to drive the solvent out of the base. Don't clear a hot panel, though. When clearing also try to maintain a surface temp over 65°. Once the clearing is finished, you can very gradually increase the heat on the panel, but heating at the wrong time, temp, or increment can cause problems. Best might be to just maintain it over 65° until it's somewhat cured, like a couple hours or so, then you can ramp the heat up with less worry if needed.
 
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crashtech said:
The way to use the lamp correctly is with a non-contact infrared thermometer. Turn the lamp off when spraying, but between coats make sure the entire surface of the panel is over 65°. Usually you can do this by having the lamp 6-8 feet away or so. Once the basecoat is finished you can heat the panel up to 120° to drive the solvent out of the clear. Don't clear a hot panel, though. When clearing also try to maintain a surface temp over 65°. Once the clearing is finished, you can very gradually increase the heat on the panel, but heating at the wrong time, temp, or increment can cause problems. Best might be to just maintain it over 65° until it's somewhat cured, like a couple hours or so, then you can ramp the heat up with less worry if needed.
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The nice thing about the medium wave lamps is that they gradually heat up unlike the short wave that are instant heat.
 
Chris_Hamilton said:
It will cure 2 coats in that amount of time?
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Sorry, I missed this, but this week has been murder on this old man; I think I died about 7 pm last night.
Cure not entirely, that's about 90 days, but 30 mins at 110 to 120 degrees metal temp will get the epoxy to the point that you can spray primer or base over it.

Im glad it blocked well, but if I knew that was what we were doing next, I might have said bake 45 or bake 30 and let cool for an hour after. Im glad it worked out.
 
Tommy,
Also, in small areas like that, you could base put that lamp on it for 5 to 10 mins, let it cool a few mins, and clear.
Then put the lamp on clear for 30 mins, let it cool, and go for a ride or buff.
 
Tommyllama said:
Thank you Barry! Hope you get commissions on those sales.
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I have the old style 7 bulb heat lamp and was thinking of getting an infrared. Is this the same one you have? Thanks.
 

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