Cheap Paint Job Variation

Lin · February 24, 2012, 09:22:40 PM

The other thread on roll on paint jobs got me thinking about an old thought. I am so lazy now that I do not want to even do the work for a roll on or brush paint job. I really don't mind the worn paint job on the bus as it is. However, all the gloss is gone, and I believe it will deteriorate rather quickly now. The thought was to buy cans of Rustoleum gloss clear paint and use it as a clear coat. I have used the stuff before on some steel, outdoor sculptures, and they have held up fine for a couple of years. I don't have all that much to do since it would not involve much more than painting from above the bay doors up to the windows. Is there any reason that this would be doomed to failure?

Ace · February 25, 2012, 04:13:21 AM

Cost!

Just go to Walmart and buy a few quarts of rustoleum clear. It's already thinned and ready for spraying. Go to harbor freight and buy the cheapest gun they have and do the job. You can Even use the compressor on your bus if you don't have a portable. I think you would get a better job and for about the same money.

Oonrahnjay · February 25, 2012, 07:18:27 AM

Quote from: Ace on February 25, 2012, 04:13:21 AM
Cost!

Just go to Walmart and buy a few quarts of rustoleum clear. It's already thinned and ready for spraying. Go to harbor freight and buy the cheapest gun they have and do the job. You can Even use the compressor on your bus if you don't have a portable. I think you would get a better job and for about the same money.

Yeah, Ace is right on this one. Spray paint in cans is *way* more expensive than other ways to apply it. Of course, convenience and other factors may make it worth it for small jobs but you always have to consider that extra cost.

chev49 · February 25, 2012, 07:44:26 AM

One can make a spray set up for using coach aie by getting a 2 inch or so pipe and welding it to the center of an old steel wheel and then welding on 4 pieces of round bar that is bent into an "L" to hold an air hose on each side of the pipe. Then use big hose clamps to clamp the pressure regulator and water separator to the 2 inch pipe. Have one of the hoses go to the supply air and to the water separator, and the other from the adjustable air pressure regulator to the gun. the hooks from the round bar also will hold the paint gun..
That way, when painting the bus, you can drag the carwheel/pipe assy around as you paint, and keep your gun line clean.

Lin · February 25, 2012, 11:21:11 AM

I have a compressor, so I will look into the other things needed. I measured the area to be coated, and it is only 150 sq ft. I do not know what the coverage is for a rattle can, but at less than $4. per can, it might be as cheap as buying equipment.

gus · February 25, 2012, 07:06:47 PM

I've had nothing but bad luck with any clear coat!

If your small area is white you should consider spray can white epoxy appliance enamel, it is great stuff. I even used it on the nose of an airplane since it is pretty tough stuff.

All you need do is lightly roughen the area and spray from the cans.

Ace · February 26, 2012, 03:02:22 AM

If you spray light coats and wait about 10 min in between coats you shouldn't have any problems! I know this from watching an old painter screw up what I think now I could have done myself! In fact I know I could have done a good or better! The main thing is to be patient!

Hobie · February 26, 2012, 02:14:03 PM

Biggest advantage to a spray gun vs. spray cans is consistency of the fan. The can has a spot pattern vs. a 6-10" even pattern. Always use a good water separator and filter.

I would suggest not covering old paint with clear hoping for an easy solution. I'd use the roll method and a new solid color. With a good sanding, of course.

Just a quick tip regarding to determine when the paint is dry enough for the next coat. Use your finger and touch the paint on a masked area close to the main paint surface. If it tacky and won't stick to your finger, it's ready for the next coat. The outside temperature, thickness of paint, humidity, paint reduction and speed of the reducer all play a role in the time between coats. It is always variable.

And another tip, if rolling or brushing stick to solid colors. You need a spray gun if you want a metallic color. The gun will 'float' the metallic flakes in the paint which is what you need so it won't appear blotchy or with streaks.

john9861 · February 26, 2012, 08:21:40 PM

Is it possible to use rubbing compound & a finish wax to renew the old finish? If the old finish is powdering you would need to fine sand it prior to even clear coating. As far as the spray cans go it would probably be next to impossible to maintain a wet edge on such large open areas such as a bus...