12/19/2007

"How I Do It"

Use Alcohol for Great Results when Painting


Perhaps not in the way you think.

Let's say we are painting with spray cans, and let's say we have already properly prepared the part by sand blasting, wire brushing, or other methods of removal on old paint.
Now it is time to paint and here is what you need:
Alcohol
After you prepared the part for paint, it needs to be clean and free from any water or oil. I've had great luck giving the part a quick wipe with a solvent such as mineral spirits to remove any oil followed by a wipe of alcohol on a white paper napkin or towel.

If there is any dirt remaining on the part it will readily show on the white napkin and you know the part needs to be cleaned again.
Heat
You need to heat the spray paint can. You can put it in a bucket of hot water or you can blow hot air on it. Either way, you need the can warm to the touch. This helps mixing of the contents and it increases the pressure inside the can. More pressure makes a better spray pattern and less nozzle clogging.

If you heat the can too much it could explode, so use your head.
As you paint the gas inside the can cools. You need stop every so often and re-heat the spray can. You also need to heat the part you are painting. This ensures all the alcohol evaporates and provides a better bond for the paint. Again, heat until warm to the touch.

What is wrong with this picture?
Nothing.
Paint manufacturers recommend spray cans be stored top down.

Back