How to Blend?

Z

zachs74Z

Hey guys, I'm a newb here so I hope I'm posting this in the right place. If not - my apolologies. My problem is I need to do a blend on oem paint on my truck bed ( after repairs ) and I've never blended before, so I was wondering whats the best way to learn ( book, video, just take a whack at it? ) Its a '99 F-150 w/ lots of mi. so its not a masterpiece, just want it to look decent. Thanks for any ideas.
 
What area is being blended? some pictures would help.
 
Thanks for responding Bob. I was thinking of breaking it at the wheel well on one side and didn't know what to do with the other. I wanted to do an overall but time won't allow right now. Have to get it done by Wed. of next week while still working my reg. job. Maybe come back and do it right later. Thanks for the help. Whats your thoughts? IMG_3017.jpg

IMG_3018.jpg
 
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you'll be applying color to the majority of that bedside then clearing it complete, if you can get a decent colormatch it will be fine otherwise you'll need to blend into the RR door
 
When I was taught to blend I was told to do the blend area in 3 over lapping layers.
Each layer overlaps the previous layer extending about 4" further than the previous layer.
This makes the new color thin and influenced by the underlying existing color more as you move away from the repair area.
Each of the blend coats is applied by gradually pulling the trigger from air only to air & fluid in about the first inch of gun travel. I do this both on the start and finish of each pass. It further helps to feather the blend for me.
1st coat is shot on the repaired area extending 4" or so past the repair.
2nd coat covers the 1st coat area and extends past 4" or so past the first coat.
3rd coat covers the 1st and 2nd coat and extends 4" or so past the second coat.

the big dogs may have a better or easier way and we both can learn !

Here is a drawing to try and help visualize what I am trying to convey.


Untitled-2.jpg
 
Good picture SOF. I would hold the blend tight to the repair area until I had good coverage. Usually 1-2 coats. Then blend out in a diagonal fashion. I use intercoat clear mixed one to one with RTS base on silvers and golds after I obtain coverage. It looks close to me but you might have to blend into the cab corner/door (can't see good in the pic) to get this one right.
 
SOF has the basic idea covered but I often shoot the repair area untill full coverage is reached then blend the color out, angle the gun and make your pass so your overspray goes to the center of the repair area until coverage is achieved-on areas where blending room is minimal this is often the only way to get it done.
 
Thanks for all the help guys. I've never done anything but overalls so this is all brand new to me. On top of having not painted much in the last 15 yrs, or so, I've only shot BC /CC a couple times ( ChromaBase / ChromaClear ). I'll use DBC 500 and universal clear on this one.
Couple of questions :
1. What grit should I use to scuff the original paint where the blend overlaps ?
2. I thought I read somewhere that Barry said to spray the base, let set overnight and wet sand w/ 600-1000 before clearing. (not sure I'm remembering right there)
3. Do I need to use intercoat or can I just clear after base flashes good?
Thank you so much for taking the time to help me. I know your time is valuable so I really do appreciate it.
Atwell
 
Bob Hollinshead;19960 said:
SOF has the basic idea covered but I often shoot the repair area untill full coverage is reached then blend the color out, angle the gun and make your pass so your overspray goes to the center of the repair area until coverage is achieved-on areas where blending room is minimal this is often the only way to get it done.
Click to expand...

Glad you pointed that out Bob, I am not the best as writing how to's as you can tell.

I just assumed the repaired area would have had base coat applied to full coverage, then the blend hides it. I did need to be a bit more specific!
 
Here is an 05 Focus I did with that technique. There is a blend on the drivers door about in the middle of the panel and a blend on the door frame at the a pillar.

P1000219.jpg
 
Senile Old Fart;19970 said:
Here is an 05 Focus I did with that technique. There is a blend on the drivers door about in the middle of the panel and a blend on the door frame at the a pillar.

P1000219.jpg
Click to expand...

Those repairs look perfect IMO!
 
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