Trunk 'spatter' paint

O

old soul

Member
Got a good customer wanting his '71 Nova trunk area to have the speckled, or 'spatter'

painted look (black/gray or black/aqua). I am not a fan of the spray can versions

especially since you still have to seal them. Have seen Zolatone mentioned but have no

information/availability about it. What are you guys using to restore the trunk areas of

late 60's to early 70's Chevys ? (Whatever I use will be going over SPI black epoxy.)

Also, he does not want to use bedliner. Thanks
 
I replaced the trunk pans in this 65 Buick Special, sprayed SPI black epoxy and then covered in Zolatone Medusa Gray. Use at least a 2.0 tip when spraying this stuff. 1 quart did this trunk. Stuff is water based but dries rock hard.

TrunkFloor-Zolatone.jpg
 
Does the Zolatone have to be sealed (cleared) like the spray can spatter paints? Their website info says it's optional. If it gets wet, will it smear like the unsealed spray can versions?
 
I did not clear it because I wanted an OEM look and its held up fine. In fact I used contact cement to secure some wire loom and no issues whatsoever.
 
The factory used a two step process, the base color went on first then the dots applied. The dots will vary in size and also sometimes have a stringy look and I think it was related to temperature during application and probably the person doing the spraying. If you do it in shades of black and grey or white epoxy could be used for all of it, otherwise you'll need to pick a paint. Gun setup for the dots is low pressure for no atomization, large fluid nozzle, and the right viscosity for the affect you're after. Play around with it. The zolatone and ready to spray stuff is junk if you're after a correct look.
 
The Zolatone requires two coats. The first being at a higher pressure with fluid reduced which lays down the base color and then the second being the "spatter" coat which is sprayed at a lower pressure with fluid full open.

I would defer to Bob's recommendation for what it truly correct for your car. The Buick I did was a low budget, daily driver vehicle that didn't warrant being absolutely correct.

The car is here right now so I can take a close up picture if you would like?
 
Thanks Bob and '68.

Bob, I was just talking to another customer who stops by often about the trunk paint and I mentioned that since it was already going to be black (SPI epoxy) I wondered if I could just 'spatter' it with a gray color to simulate the effect. Your reply was like a light bulb turning on in my head! Will probably go with that procedure if I can get the spatter effect down to look right and the customer approves.

'68, my customer is a little confusing at times. First he wants "factory correct, original" but then he modifies what he has (aftermarket 17" wheels, chrome valve covers, aluminum intake, etc.) No need for a close up but thank you for the offer and the info on the Zolatone.
 
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