first time painter help

[mike]

I am a first time painter (and poster). Hopefully this is in the right forum location. I know just enough to be dangerous. I have heard good things about SPI products on a couple other boards, and it was endorsed by a somewhat well know/respected guy in the industry. Although my epoxy and 2k urethane is done with another quality brand, I decided on your product for the rest. I have a couple questions/concerns. My plan is to finish the guide coat/blocking (almost done with last round) and then wetsand 400. Wash it good with a grey pad and clean. Was planning to use your black sealer, black BC and Universal CC. Good so far?
I’m worried I may end up with some “dust” after the BC is sprayed. This happened with the primer. Not a big deal, it was only on the horizontal surfaces.Wiped off with a rag just fine. Could be poor air flow you think? I have very tall ceilings and was running a diesel heater if it matters. A large fan was sucking air out and another door was cracked. Should I just plan to tack off BC before CC? Do you think the dust will be a problem on the CC spraying?
Temperature….it is cold here and I might be able to get 55-60 degrees in the shop with heaters. Will this be ok? What is the range I need?
Reducer…little confused about this step. Is it trial and error. I had to reduce the 2K primer 20% to get it to lay good with a 1.8 tip. Should I order some to have? I have 1.2 and 1.4 tips for this step.
How many coats of clear should I put on. I want to sand/buff and make this looks as good as I can. Would some extra coats be good for a new painter? Order 1 or 2 gallon? It is a 79 Camaro.
I have an airadvantage 3/32 6” sander ordered and some 1500/3000 trizact sanding pads. Also a nice buffer and the wool/foam pads and mystic cut compound. I figured I need to be prepared for this step because I will have a short window to sand my orange peal out (and buff). What is my window here and does it sound like I am well prepared for this? I am also really concerned that I will have trouble getting everything set with the gun correctly.
Thanks so much,
Mike

 

[Bob Hollinshead]

Universal buffs good even years later-so don't worry about the buffing window. If this is the first time buffing and considering the cool temps and how it will delay the cure I'd suggest giving it a fair amount of time to cure before sanding and buffing- 1 week or more and you'll have far less chance of burning the paint. If you're getting overspray dust settling on your horizontal panels you should tack rag the basecoat to remove it between coats. Order two gallons of clear, there will be left overs but that's a good thing. Shoot at least 3 coats 4 would be better if you're new to sanding and buffing.

 

[mike]

Universal buffs good even years later-so don't worry about the buffing window. If this is the first time buffing and considering the cool temps and how it will delay the cure I'd suggest giving it a fair amount of time to cure before sanding and buffing- 1 week or more and you'll have far less chance of burning the paint. If you're getting overspray dust settling on your horizontal panels you should tack rag the basecoat to remove it between coats. Order two gallons of clear, there will be left overs but that's a good thing. Shoot at least 3 coats 4 would be better if you're new to sanding and buffing.

Thanks Bob. Barry called me today and gave me some great info as well. I've got some more work to do before the Base and clear. You mean 2 gallons total, when it is mixed, right? So 1 gallon of actual cc would be 2?

 

[strum456]

You mean 2 gallons total, when it is mixed, right? So 1 gallon of actual cc would be 2?

2 sprayable gallons will be more than enough for a Camaro. 1gallon of activator + 1 gallon of clear = 2 sprayable gallons.