We're
going to take another time out from the fabrication articles
to introduce you to the paint and other associated products
that we'll use on the roadster. When selecting these products,
it pays dividends to deal with representatives of your
paint manufacturer that understand the "system" prescribed
by the manufacturer. I use the word "system" as manufacturers
typically take the guesswork out of mixing and matching
of the full range of products that you might use. Specifically,
primers and undercoats, single-stage or multi-stage topcoats
and the other required, associated, additives like reducers
and hardeners. Don't take any (expensive) chances.
We're
going to repeat some comments that we made in another
series that also apply here.
"You
may already be aware, if you've ever been involved with
painting or re-painting, that the whole process can be
an "interesting" experience.
We say interesting because, while it can be a straightforward
exercise and (truly) interesting, it can also be a
less than rewarding experience depending upon talent,
materials and other surprises. Like you, we aren't interested
in either a less than rewarding experience or any surprises.
In the interest of avoiding both of these, we are going
to use top-quality materials and talented people.
Not unlike other technologies,
the science of automotive finishes has evolved significantly
in a fairly short time. Unlike yesteryear where you might
be faced with a choice of only straight-ahead enamel
or lacquer single-stage finishes, we can now choose from
single, double and triple-stage finishes. Also, the chemistry
of the products has evolved so that, while enamels and
lacquers still exist, they are based on acrylic and polyurethane
formulations".
For this project, we
are again going with a two-stage
process. That is, a basecoat with a clear topcoat.
We
have worked with, and will continue to work with,
the technicians at Akzo Nobel
/ Sikkens. To date, this
has involved product selection and we will continue
to consult about color and other technical considerations.
We are very grateful for their support.
Akzo
Nobel is the biggest paint company with bases in 60 countries
and 30,000 employees. They have been in operation for over
200 years. The Sikkens brand has also been in around
for over 200 years. Providing what you say? How about
coatings for horse-drawn carriages!
You
can link directly to the Sikkens site by clicking the
banner below.
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