Paint Your Wagon - with a roller!

[CovKid]

Yep, as I said. 30% thinners was about right over weekend because of the temperature. Thats why its not an exact science and even in spray shops the ratio is varied according to ambient conditions. Never good to paint in full sun anyway. Chickenkoop and I solved it by turning side we were painting into the shade, waiting ten minutes for panel to cool a little, paint, then turn it around to bake in the sun. Worked well.

Again. to eradicate bubbles, spend longer working paint into the roller and squeezing the air out. You won't get any then.

[onc onc]

Yep, as I said. 30% thinners was about right over weekend because of the temperature. Thats why its not an exact science and even in spray shops the ratio is varied according to ambient conditions. Never good to paint in full sun anyway. Chickenkoop and I solved it by turning side we were painting into the shade, waiting ten minutes for panel to cool a little, paint, then turn it around to bake in the sun. Worked well.

Again. to eradicate bubbles, spend longer working paint into the roller and squeezing the air out. You won't get any then.

I think thats where my problem with bubbles lies, i tend to leave the roller in the paint to soak for about 15mins then just squeeze some of the paint out and go for it so maybe i need to spend longer squeezing and working the roller before i start to paint i will try to remember that when i go for my final coat, but am leaving it untill Sept before any more paint goes on, that way the three coats i have already done will have had all summer to bake nice and hard

[dugcati]

I have a question - sorry if it seems a bit off key (it's not meant too!)

If you spend ages getting the bubbles out for the first loading of the roller surely you would need to do this for each fill up which would then take an age to get any paint on at all?

I (probably like others) haven't spent much time or care in loading up the roller then squeezing it out.. does it make that much difference?

As siad - no offence meant by the question I couldnt really think of a better way to ask it!

[CovKid]

Not not really. The issue only happens with a fresh, new roller. Once saturated and bubble-free, its good for around 40 mins of solid painting.

[dugcati]

hmm - interesting! I'm ready to put more paint to put on over the coming days do I'll give it a whirl spending some time soaking/filling the roller before applying...

[Cruz]

Start as early as you can then as the insect count is low first thing. Keep us updated buddy.

I usually do. Today the weather in Lancs was cold in the morning but warmed up to around 15 this afternoon. Seeing as it's bank holiday and I will only have one free day until about June 9th I decided to go for it today as the weather was overcast but pleasant and there was a breeze that kept the bugs away.

Finished the prep at 1pm then washed the van down till it was spotless. Had some lunch whilst it dried completely then masked up. I didn't get round to starting painting until 5pm. Finally painted the last section at 9pm. I used 20% thinners and I did the WHOLE van including rollering the bumpers black. Surprisingly the kid count was low too which made it easier to roller in the alley without constantly scowling at any brats that came past with their mucky fingers and silly ways

Just got to get up earlier in the morning to fit the lights so I can legally drive to work. All the other trim is in the back of the van.

Thank god that's done for now. Just praying no pesky showers come past in the night.

[CovKid]

Long as paint has a skin on it, showers won't affect it.

[gaz f]

1. Van prepped? Check.
2. Supplies?

Check!
3. Weather? Damn.

Itching to get started with the paint but looks like it's going to have to wait a few days now.

[catflaps]

Hello again,

So i took all the comments on board regarding bubbles and made myself a 20% thinners:80% paint mix and painted a panel. Although i spent ages squeezing the roller (too much maybe as i was worried i'd actually wrecked the shape of it) I still had tons of bubbles to rework, however the finish afterwards was much better than previous coats. I think I suffer from the impatience some other people have mentioned and was certainly becoming despondent but have been given a new lease of life now

thanks again,
Cat

[CovKid]

Gentle squeezing or you'll just create more bubbles. Slowly does it - chill. Hand on heart I do not get bubbles at all so it can be done. Don't stir paint like crazy either - that just creates an invisible froth. You'll notice that they only occur when you start and its all down to prepping that roller.

If you suspect the roller you're using won't last long, have another soaking in the paint ready - that helps too.

[Cruz]

Having just prepped and painted the whole van in one I can honestly advise people to do it piecemeal as I'm not quite as happy with it as my 1st coat. And it was tiring. Don't underestimate the affect of fatigue on concentration.

My 3rd coat will be going on in dribs and drabs. You can easily split the van up into 4, 6 or even 7 sections thus giving your maximum attention to that area.

4 - Front, rear hatch and valance, left side, right side
or
7 - Front, rear hatch and valance, left side, right side, passenger door, drivers door, sliding door

[gaz f]

Quick question.
I have read a few folks saying they washed the van and let it dry before painting, now as I've got all my windows out I really can't attack it with a bucket and sponge too much! Would there be any reaction with the rustoleum if it was wiped over with thinners for a final clean before painting?

[CovKid]

There shouldn't be but only have slightly moist wrag if you do and make sure previous costs really ARE dry. Al you're doing is picking up grit and dust really so use something lint-free. Commercially you can buy tak-rags which are slightly sticky and just lift dust particles.

Try using a damp cloth (water) - that should be enough.

[binka]

OK, I'm taking a deep breath but after months and months of thinking about this I'm going to do it. I'm scared of wrecking the van though!

Anyway I'm currently having problems with some seam rash coming through. Bodywork guy came round to see the van last night, he's sorted out a bit of rust for me before so knows the van. He said again what a poor paint job the previous job was and he thinks thats why I'm getting problems now. Anyway he's going to take the van next week and sort the rust out - which is great as I don't think I'd want to tackle that. So I should then get the van back with all the rust sorted.

I've read the Wiki a few times and read most of this thread. Can I check I have the order of what I need to do stuff in right. Sorry am dyslexic so my head starts spinning after too much reading.

Flatten the paint work back with wet and dry 600. I take it an electrical sander would be better/easier for this than doing it by hand? Any reccomendations on sander? How roughed up should the paintwork be for it to be ready for painting?

Get the paint, about 8 trays and 8 high density, foam rollers. Mix the paint with white spirit, 5 parts paint, one part white spirit approx. Apply paint keeping layer thin.

Leave it a week, flatten back again and apply second coat.

Leaveanother week and flatten back again with 600 wet and dry. Repeat for 3rd and 4th time/coasts of paint. Then use £ shop metal cleaner and then turtle wax . Will the paint not be left rough at the end or does the metal cleaner and turtle wax smooth it out?

[CovKid]

Well I won't repeat the WIKI, its all there in black and white (and colour) plus many tips in here. Chickenkoop and I found an ordinary rectangular sander used on a wet soapy van (not a wet sander for safety reasons) cuts prep down by hours. You might like to print the WIKI article though as its right up to date. Finishing can be done several ways and this thread suggests a few. Long read I know, but worth absorbing. You're creating a smooth, matt finish ready for the paint - thats all.

Not the best time of year to do it due to dust, pollen and wee beasties, but start early mornings and you'll be fine.