again martin, right on the money. martin spoke of coverage. for me, that's as close to a perfect 50% as possible. that means each pass with the gun covers 50% of the last one. this ensures equality in the overall job. the last coat of paint is mostly thinner to add gloss to the final job. you MUST adjust speed accordingly, or risk a run or sag on the very last coat of paint. in short, be prepared to speed up the last coat.
remember, we long longer shoot laquer for the most part. old school guys who learned to shoot laquer properly are pretty well artist in my opinion, and i confess i have done my share, but i find the newer enamels much easier to deal with.
that said. (this is important kids)
you must allow "flash time" between coats with enamel paint. this is not as important with laquer because the stuff is damned near dry as it leaves the gun. not so with enamel paint. it has a much longer drying time, so there's a good chance the paint will not be cured when you shoot the second coat, so, PATIENCE!!!
you can shoot paint alittle too dry, and be ok, just more work for proper coverage, but paint that's too wet is very unforgiving, and forget about "chasing the run" to the bottom of a panel. just look at the thing, then swear at it profusely, and if possible, kick the neighbors cat. time to let everything dry and LIGHTLY sand the run until its gone, wet sand and pick up where you left off.
be patient, wear proper protective clothing and a mask (not one of those silly dust masks, i mean a proper respirator) and prepare yourself for a long commitment to the job. old pros shoot paint in record time, but as i remember, martin titled this topic "basic of basics" so i will hold to that standard.
remember YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! however it takes practice and skill, which you CAN DEVELOP!
for me the test of anything i attempt is to remember that others have done it, and they didn't emerge from the womb knowing how. they also learned.
martin has been on this website for a number of years and has never posted anything that isn't extremely useful and to my knowledge absolutly correct. i may know a thing or two, but i see martin as a master. he's a great source of knowledge, and if you need it, assistance.
speaking only for myself, if i can help you, just ask. i bet martin feels the same.
now get yer [censored] of the seat and go practice! in a short amount of time you will be proud of what you can do.
one last little thing.
safety.
atomized paint and thinners are EXTREMELY flammable. good filtered ventilation, and removing ANY possible source of ignition are IMPERATIVE! THIS INCLUDES YOUR COMPRESSOR, WHICH ARCS INSIDE EVERY TIME IT RUNS. your neighbors will thank you for not blowing your garage off it's foundation, the fire department will thank you for leaving them alone to sleep or watch the game on t.v., and your family will thank you for not killing yourself. you may not be such a prize, but (dammit!) you are all they have.
remember that as paint coats a surface, it coats the lungs and nasal passages. many an old painter has died from cancer of the lung and esophagas. not pretty. besides, nobody has ever been impressed with candy apple bugars.
have fun kids, but be careful.
