Mix clarification on Production

Tommyllama

Promoted Users
I believe I have read where some do a 4:1:1 mix and that last 1 part is the retarder. When and how much reducer can be added to that mix? I believe I read someone used a 4:1:1:1.. any clarification would be appreciated. I am using Production.
 
Standard mixing ratio is 4:1 Reducer is optional and if you choose to use retarder, recommended amount is 1 to 2 ounces per RTS quart. I would strongly reconsider using retarder in the ratio you mentioned. Especially in sub 80 degree temps. You can quickly have a real mess on your hands using that much retarder. 4:1:1 would refer to 4 parts clear, one part activator, and one part reducer, not retarder.
As for what is the ideal that all depends on preference. 4:1 with 2 ounces of retarder (per RTS quart) will flow out quite a bit. Probably as much or more than if it was 4:1:1. What gun are you using?
 
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I am using a HF Black Widow 1.3, temp is just below 80 degrees here. Thanks for the clarification. I note the tech sheet states up to 50% of retarder on final coat. Your thoughts on that.
 
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I've never been brave enough to do it. Never even come close to that much, My Dad used to love to talk about the K.I.S.S. principle. I think that applies here. I would try using it the conventional mix and eventually work you way up to using more. Honestly either of the two ratios mentioned above will work well and be relatively safe in regards to not running it all over the floor.:)
 
you guys that are using prod clear, are you spraying 2 coats and done or are you shooting 3-4 coats? any one that does 4 coats, do you have solvent pop issues? how are you spraying it?
 
you guys that are using prod clear, are you spraying 2 coats and done or are you shooting 3-4 coats? any one that does 4 coats, do you have solvent pop issues? how are you spraying it?
I did get solvent pop once but i think it was due to inadequate flash time between base and clear. It was 3 coats.. that was the only time I've had issue
 
I should give production a shot sometime. Wonder how it holds up 4:1:1 reduced. Thought I read some people spraying it that way. Was just thinking for budget jobs or used car dealer work.
 
Jim I have used the production clear last winter on a few bumper covers and did a coat and another as it just started to tack up and came out great for collision work. I did use a splash of reducer. Euro is my go to clear but want to try the speed clear. Oh and no solvent pop
 
Speed clear is fine for me 8 mos out of the year but the summer heat with high humidity here i cant keep it from popping on coat 3 and 4
 
When I stared with(2009-10) SPI, I pretty much just used Euro. Played with different reducers with fast and normal activator. It worked great , other than about 10-15% of the time I would get some die back. It only happened on hoods for cars/trucks. The last 3-4 years , I've swapped out the Euro for Production clear and no more die back issues. I use slow activator pretty much all year, and in winter months of Wisconsin I'll use some polar when needed. I use Production 2100 for everyday collision on bumper covers and fenders. I use Universal(4000) on larger projects, or when I know I won't be cutting and buffing for more than 3 or 4 days after spraying. Speed clear is my new favorite, probably will be used on at least 50% or more of my work now.
 
I have used many 4:1 clears with another 1 part retarder many times in warm weather
on the last coat, usually doing 3 coats of clear.
Never had a problem.
I do it that way on bumpers to get them really slick for no buffing.
 
How much reducer have some of you gotten away with using production clear? I’ve heard some have used it up to 4:1:1. Is that asking for trouble? You could stretch it a little further on the cheap used car jobs. Suppose it’s not much of a savings anyway lol.
 
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