Auto Paint Question

OK folks, I had dedicated the whole weekend to painting my winter builds that got auto colors. Problem is, I got a late start today and discovered my hardener had gotten really thick since I last used it. Now, all the auto stores (in my area) that carry it, are closed. I'm using acrylic enamel paint with reducer and a compatible hardener and I need to know if I can just use the reducer to thin out the hardener, or something else. It's not mixing well. I feel certain I can get the viscosity really close.

what brand of paint are ya using?

It's not really a brand. NAPA mixes whatever you need and it's what they use. Found out over the weekend that I can thin it out with the reducer, and it worked. I also learned, this hardener is usually a one time shot. They said, once the air hits this stuff, it becomes active and slowly starts to harden, even in a closed container. Use it all at once. Mine hadn't gotten rock hard yet, so I wanted to see if it could still be used. There's no way I can mix that much paint and still use it all down the road, so I have been dipping in the can whenever I needed some.

Gary Byrum said:

It's not really a brand. NAPA mixes whatever you need and it's what they use. Found out over the weekend that I can thin it out with the reducer, and it worked. I also learned, this hardener is usually a one time shot. They said, once the air hits this stuff, it becomes active and slowly starts to harden, even in a closed container. Use it all at once. Mine hadn't gotten rock hard yet, so I wanted to see if it could still be used. There's no way I can mix that much paint and still use it all down the road, so I have been dipping in the can whenever I needed some.

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So, did you apply pigment or not?
Because if you did,we want pictures.

Scotty Dog said:

So, did you apply pigment or not?
Because if you did,we want pictures.

Click to expand...

Hey, just got done peeling off the masking from the winter build in reference. I want to get the stripes in place before I take pics. This one is a real purdy rocket SD. Trying to get this stuff done in time for NSL.

My NAPA uses Nason as house brand. I use it exclusively. Tractor supply sells reducer. I believe any reducer will work. Why cant you get more from NAPA?


edit

Sorry, misunderstood OP. Using hardener "all in one shot" is BS. I have a quart can I have been using from for over 2 years. I always use "the wet look" hardener. Also, Tractor Supply also sells hardener as well as reducer.

jimzcatz said:

edit

Sorry, misunderstood OP. Using hardener "all in one shot" is BS. I have a quart can I have been using from for over 2 years. I always use "the wet look" hardener. Also, Tractor Supply also sells hardener as well as reducer.

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The first can of hardener I bought from NAPA got rock hard in one year. The second can I bought from O'Rileys was that wet look which lasted almost 3 years until it turned into a honey consistency. Jim, you have to know, that my experience with these paints and hardeners is short. I don't do it a lot and it's still a little new to me.

Our only NAPA closed at 4:30 PM that Saturday when I posted this thread and wouldn't be open again until Monday. I was just trying to salvage the weekend by reviving the thickened hardener. Next time I go to NAPA, I'm going to get their wet look hardener for sure.

Gary sorry, I understand everything now. Yea, Napa has some crazy hrs. I was a total newbie when I bought my first compressor. I also use very inexpensive hvlp paint guns. Experience is your best teacher. What works best for me, I put on one good coat, let cure, then I wet sand with 400 grit to get the gloss off and smooth out any imperfections. Second coat goes on much easier. I am also painting outside, no oven but the sun. I'm not professional by no means, but I think I do pretty good for an old truck driver!

jimzcatz said:

Gary sorry, I understand everything now. Yea, Napa has some crazy hrs. I was a total newbie when I bought my first compressor. I also use very inexpensive hvlp paint guns. Experience is your best teacher. What works best for me, I put on one good coat, let cure, then I wet sand with 400 grit to o get the gloss off and smooth out any imperfections. Second coat goes on much easier. I am also painting outside, no oven but the sun. I'm not professional by no means, but I think I do pretty good for an old truck driver!

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You paint bigger rockets than I build Jim. Hence, the spray gun. I'm only working on small models with an airbrush. My only compressor is one I bought at HF just for airbrushes. That's it. When I'm mixing paint, I use 2 oz jars. And FWIW, I'm still working on achieving one of those really awesome smooth finishes. The rockets still look good even though there's a consistent light texture throughout. I can always resort to Rusto 2X for a fine finish, but there's so many choices when using auto colors. And it dries faster than 2X. I prolly need a better airbrush.

jimzcatz said:

I have a quart can I have been using from for over 2 years. I always use "the wet look" hardener.

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Well, I got over to NAPA today only to discover that the 1/4 pint can of wet look hardener was now priced at $28.00. :y: The guy said he could sell me a quart of it for less than the 1/4 pint cost. Now THAT, is what I call pure BS! If I could use up a quart, I'd buy one. Hell, I can't go through a whole 1/4 pint can before it starts to harden.

I took off over to O'Rileys again and they still didn't have any, but they could have it in for me the next day. Their price for the wet look was $16.00. Somethin' be stankin over at NAPA fer sure. O'Rileys was where I got my last can of wet look and they don't even mix paints there.