Bill Ludwig
Veteran
Location: Tucson, AZ
| Hi Nick,
First, if you haven't sanded all the paint off, you should use a 2-part epoxy primer to seal the old paint from the new. If you've sanded it all off, you can just use rattle can primer. You don't even have to use primer if you have a perfect finish already (unlikely).
Yes, you can use rattle can paints -- I'd recommend lacquers. Just stick with the same paint throughout your project for best results.
I always paint the windscreens last -- it's a lot easier.
Here is a step-by-step from my website that may be helpful:
- Sand the entire canopy with 220 grit paper to remove all gloss - use it wet - do not use a block.
- Smooth over the center seam with a lightweight fiberglass filler like Evercoat (available at most auto paint stores). When cured, block sand the seam with 220 paper wet.
- Spray on a couple of coats of automotive primer. Let it dry.
Spray on a light 'guide coat' of black lacquer. Don't worry about getting good coverage.
- Sand all of the guide coat off with 220 wet. You will easily see your low spots using this method.
- Repeat the priming, guide coat, sanding process (if required) until there are no more low spots.
- Sand with 400 grit paper - wet. Yes, the paint and clearcoat will easily fill in the sanding scratches.
- Apply your first color coat(s) - a light coat first just to get the surface sticky, then follow with one or two 'wet' coats.
- Apply any graphics.
- Clear coat with automotive clear. Do NOT use the clear coat you get in spray cans. It will yellow and is NOT fuel proof! |
