SS Acrylic Urethane for DIY'er

R

rossta86

Hello, I have a late 70s ford truck that i have been using as a surrogate to improve my bodywork and fabrication skills, as well as a template for my first true paint job. The truck is a beater and a toy that i enjoy tinkering with. I am approaching the point where i will be stripping the remaining paint from the exterior of the cab, laying down some SPI epoxy and doing some filler work etc. I have done a significant amount of reading on these steps and feel comfortable about my plan and choices.

I am a bit lost on what brand of top coat to use. I believe I have settled on using a SS acrylic urethane unless someone can talk me out of it. The truck will never be a show truck and I don't have a tremendous amount of money to spend on it, the knowledge gained from the paint process is what i'm truly interested in. So, what brand SS acrylic urethane (color will be a basic solid white) would other DIY'ers recommend?

I see alot of the internet automotive and bodywork sites sell re-branded paint under they're own name (Kirker seems to be be the manufacturer behind of lot of these paints). Would one of these "cheaper" paints offer me some durability for several years (5+) or are they not even worth considering? What would be the next step up from these paints? Again this is not even close to being a show truck, just something i drive every once in a while and enjoy tinkering with.

Thanks - Ross
 
try the kirker but I suggest limco strong white urethane. mixes 8:1:4.
 
If you're using a budget singlestage you could double the durability and lifespan by clearing it with SPI. JMO... From what I've seen most of the budget singlstage urethanes start to fade in 3-5 years if not clearcoated. Omni MTK is another cheap option.
 
I agree with Bob but would like to add, if you want to go cheap SS then I believe the Nason SS or Utech 200 or 3.8 system would be best bet.

But good God, all the time and studying you have put in this truck, would it cost you that much more to go with a Concept or its sister Prospray or Utech 3.8?

Just my 2 cents worth.
 
Barryk;16081 said:
I agree with Bob but would like to add, if you want to go cheap SS then I believe the Nason SS or Utech 200 or 3.8 system would be best bet.

But good God, all the time and studying you have put in this truck, would it cost you that much more to go with a Concept or its sister Prospray or Utech 3.8?

Just my 2 cents worth.
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i am with Barry.

i have never used Kirkers line.

i have used several Gallons of Omnis SS urethane and it is Basic watered down Junk IMO
i have also used Nason SS urethane and feel the same.

i have seen all the projects i did with this cheaper urethane ss fade in 2-3 years easy.

all the projects range from Horse trailers Boat trailers to Autos.all set outside in the open.

i have used PPG concept and Pro sprays and they are Better imo.

just my .02 Travis
 
Thanks for the replies everyone, they were exactly what i was hoping for in terms of pros and cons.

I completely understand the logic of spending a bit more up front for a better final product and longer lasting finish. I have been bit by cheap parts and learned that lesson long ago. I was having trouble justifying spending "significant" money in paint on a $1500 truck that likely won't be worth much more after painting.

Decision time: With the lower end brands I am looking at a finish that may start to fade as quickly as 2 years. I could increase this time by spraying SPI clear over the cheaper Urethane as Bob Hollinshead mentioned (I have been reading more on this recently), or I could stop being a cheapskate and use one of the brands mentioned by Barry. At this point I guess it's time to talk with the jobber and get some prices to make a decisions.

Again, thanks for the replies, very helpful and informative. I'll report back with what i decide to do and the final outcome.
 
Stop being a cheapskate and buy something you will be happy with. If you cheap out and it doesn't work like you want then you'll be kicking yourself while you shell out the money and have to redo the paint job. Just my $.02
 
rossta86;16069 said:
Hello, I have a late 70s ford truck that i have been using as a surrogate to improve my bodywork and fabrication skills, as well as a template for my first true paint job.
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Its probably not important to most people, but I prefer to practice with materials and equipment that I plan to use. Most people may not be able to afford to do that, but its what I will do as long as the funds are there.
 
What you have to ask yourself is what do I plan to do with this truck? Will I still own it in 2-3 yrs or will it be down the road? what do you plan to do with it drive it like a car or use it as a truck? A truck with $800. of paint on it with a nice shine but scratched up and full of dents from use isn't worth any more than one the same with faded paint.Then base your paint from that.Myself if I have a old beater that I just want to make look nice I use the cheap stuff and if it fades in a couple years and I still own it. I'll da. it down and shoot it again. A quicky used car paint job a guy can do in a day or two.I've run used trucks in the shop and had it shot when I quit for the day.
 
I painted my car with cheap SW/martin senor 5 yrs ago and it has been in the sun every day. It still has shine and it cost 150 for the base/clear kit. Dimension base and Refinishers Select clear. Wonder why SS wouldn't last?
 
if you wanna stay SS Pro spray is cheaper than Concept but there is nothing about cheap about the product i use it everyday.

as always it depends on the color as to how quick it fades.

SS reds and Blues are the worse IMO.

with White being the best.

just my .02 Travis
 
There are guys on here that use Prospray on some pretty high end jobs. Check with Chad, it probably isn't that much more expensive, if at all.
 
[QUOTE='68 Coronet R/T;16174]Stop being a cheapskate and buy something you will be happy with. If you cheap out and it doesn't work like you want then you'll be kicking yourself while you shell out the money and have to redo the paint job. Just my $.02[/QUOTE]

He said the truck is a beater to practice with.
Maybe he'd be better off practicing with a good paint, but he by no means deserves to be called a cheapskate.
 
Barryk;16081 said:
I agree with Bob but would like to add, if you want to go cheap SS then I believe the Nason SS or Utech 200 or 3.8 system would be best bet.

But good God, all the time and studying you have put in this truck, would it cost you that much more to go with a Concept or its sister Prospray or Utech 3.8?

Just my 2 cents worth.
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I have a 66 work truck that I use for hauling that I want to preserve. As I repair a section I cover with SPI epoxy. I'm looking for a solid orange that makes sense for a truck that will most likely get used as a truck.
What are your guys recommendations?
Thanks
 
LostMy65;16696 said:
He said the truck is a beater to practice with.
Maybe he'd be better off practicing with a good paint, but he by no means deserves to be called a cheapskate.
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The OP is the one who labeled himself a cheapskate in his second post.
"...or I could stop being a cheapskate and use one of the brands mentioned by Barry."
 
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