Let the painting begin... Abarth.. why not :)

[pope]

Good Luck on increasing air pressure to get rid of Orange Peel.

[mdrburchette]

Pope, it seems you and I have our differences from time to time. I have noticed this problem when clearing small objects. I tend to lower the pressure and move my gun closer to the object so I don't blow the sucker off the table which, in turn, causes orange peel. I suspect it could be due to improper atomization.

[joshuagore]

I think both of you guys are right...

I noticed that higher pressure allowed me to speed up my pass and spray a larger pattern which I believe allowed a solid wet coat without redundant passes.

That being said if I was shooting with a different hvlp than the one I am its likely that the book pressure would need to be lower as my paint seems to go on light at the 8 - .5 - 8 ratio specified.

I will let you know tomorrow my results.. after its all dried. I am sure I will be wetsanding... this time with some tape covering those beautifully styled Fiat edges No more stupid mistakes.... ohh you know thats not true

Josh

[joshuagore]

Looking good! Are you leaving the rear cowl and trunk lid red or painting them black? Orange peel can also be caused by too low air pressure or wrong mixture for the weather.

The trunk lid is black, but the rear cowl is red... which I believe is how it is on the Abarth car.

Josh

[pope]

D, no problem
I was putting spraying class 101, into very simple terms that everyone who is learning to spray should be taught.

Orange peel is a fluid adjustment and runs are an air pressure adjustment. This helps clear the cobwebs from learning to spray. When they learn these principles, and get it down and with more experience and gun familiariy (like you have), they can fine turn their own way. I didnot think Josh was there yet, so wanted to get him to very understandable basics.

when clearing small objects. lower the pressure and move my gun closer to the object so I don't blow the sucker off the table which, in turn, causes orange peel.

Denise, your throwing an advanced topic on the table that I thought would confuse Josh. Ya know, playing with the air and spraying closer to the object, and we all just want him to blow a smooth panel at 8" away.

Pope, it seems you and I have our differences from time to time.

Denise, Your just gonna have to agree with me more!

[mdrburchette]

Denise, Your just gonna have to agree with me more!

I agree. Hey, that was easy!

[pope]

LOL

[joshuagore]

It got all Dr. Phil in here real quick.

Nothing will change the fact that I am spraying a car with a detail gun.... My door jams look great The rest needs sanding.

Josh

[baltobernie]

FWIW; You posted earlier that your sandpaper assortment consisted of 800 - 2000 paper. When purchasing paint and supplies, I asked for 1200 and 2000, per my painter. The counter guy said, "I don't recommend 1200 for an amateur. Start with 1500 and finish with 2000". Maybe you started too coarse and cut thru your clear. Also, I used a common household sink sponge (1/2" thick) as a pad to keep finger pressure from grooving the finish. The pro who shot the car demonstrated wetsanding using only his hand, but he does this every day. He cautioned against using a block, which would cut edges.

[joshuagore]

FWIW; You posted earlier that your sandpaper assortment consisted of 800 - 2000 paper. When purchasing paint and supplies, I asked for 1200 and 2000, per my painter. The counter guy said, "I don't recommend 1200 for an amateur. Start with 1500 and finish with 2000". Maybe you started too coarse and cut thru your clear. Also, I used a common household sink sponge (1/2" thick) as a pad to keep finger pressure from grooving the finish. The pro who shot the car demonstrated wetsanding using only his hand, but he does this every day. He cautioned against using a block, which would cut edges.

I agree!!!

Josh

[joshuagore]

Here it is. There are a few bits that need to be cleaned up, and that last bumper shock needs to come off, but you get the point.

Josh
p.s. Incase you are wondering, hit up the custom stuff section to read about the bumper delete signal lights, chrome trim to be painted black... maybe.

[mdrburchette]

Bravo! It came out really well. It kinda reminds me of my 71, but of course, yours is so much nicer.

[joshuagore]

Bravo! It came out really well. It kinda reminds me of my 71, but of course, yours is so much nicer.

Thats a beautiful tag team you have/had there. Trust me my cars far from perfect, and since I did the work I am ok with knowing it will never be perfect, but it will always be a car I love to drive.

Josh

[baltobernie]

Congratulations! Go drive it!

[pope]

Hey Denise,
I noticed on your '71 that the lower radiator vent hole is missing. Was this standard on the early models or did you fill it in?