The best and the worst

Shaun @ Tru6 · 10-08-2003, 12:52 PM

I took a few days off this week to get a couple of projects done on the targa and enjoy the last few nice days in New England. Without a doubt, one of those projects turned out to be the worst thing I've ever done while working on the car.

DON'T try to paint a ducktail with PaintScratch.com paint in spray cans! Primer came out great, spot putty came out great, 1500 surface came out great, guards red out of can was a disaster.The problems were numerous from small, poor quality spray pattern to hitting the tail with the can mid-stroke to a random bug making its way down into the basement. I am definitely investing in spray equipment. This easily fits in the "dumbest thing" string.

On the bright side, some used Momo Nascars from a fellow Pelican went in nicely, feel great, and have the added advantage of making shifting much easier/better.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Un fortunately most of the Custom paint in the spray can supplier use cheap spray can tips. They have the inferior and uneven round pattern tip.
It would be nice if they at least offered a higher quality fan tip.

Rot 911 · 10-08-2003, 12:56 PM

Shaun don't give up on the spray can paint job yet. The secret to spray can painting is to just get a lot of coats on the part you are painting. Spray cans never spray evenly on big parts like a ducktail. Just get a lot on. Then wet sand until you get a nice even layer. When you then rub it out it will look just like it was sprayed by the pros!

Shaun @ Tru6 · 10-08-2003, 01:00 PM

Thanks Kurt, good advice. I'll hit it again tomorrow.

Any thoughts on what to rub it out with? I am sort of learning as I go. Was very encouraged by early progress, but then...

Rot 911 · 10-08-2003, 01:13 PM

Shaun what kind of paint did you get in the spray can? Lacquer? Acrylic enamel, urethane?

Rot 911 · 10-08-2003, 01:18 PM

By the way I posted a thread on painting a ducktail. I used a sprayer, but for rubbing the paint out just follow what I did. Painting the Ducktail, Part II

Shaun @ Tru6 · 10-08-2003, 02:23 PM

Wow Kurt, great thread! that's the way they should all be. It will be the basis for my various painting purchasing and next projects. Your tail came out great.

I can't say 100%, but I think the paint is a lacquer base coat only. I just looked at it again and at least the paint is fairly even. I know I've got to put at least another can on it though.

Oh, and your car is stunning. the duck, lip and polished Fuchs all look great together.

Thanks for your help.

Shaun