Paint Your Wagon - with a roller!

[Cyrus]

Hi welcome to 80-90
Good luck with the paint and post up some before and after pics plz

[CovKid]

2 x 2.5ltr tins will do it easily fella.

[thoha1970]

Hi welcome to 80-90
Good luck with the paint and post up some before and after pics plz

Hi Cyrus,

for sure I'll provide "before" and "after" pics.

Thomas

[meggles]

Can't find an answer to this. I have a 1989 Autosleeper and I want to get the nearest I can to a colour match. Which is nearest to the original white colour. Or was there more than one white used on the 1989 (ish) models?

[Cyrus]

Can't find an answer to this. I have a 1989 Autosleeper and I want to get the nearest I can to a colour match. Which is nearest to the original white colour. Or was there more than one white used on the 1989 (ish) models?

I just saw you van on the before and after thread. Is that Orange a rustolem colour? Do you know which one/ral code?
Cheers

[meggles]

Hi, that was a van from a previous life
It was supposed to be traffic red iirc. Came out a bit orangey I thought but seemed to settle down quite a bit after a few months.
I can try to find the old invoice if you like to get the colour code but cant promise I still have it.

btw, it was originally a very deep burgundy red colour.

[Cyrus]

Ok no worries, I thought it was a recent paint job.
I'll give the rustolem Orange a go. I like the black stripe down the side too, that's the way I'm thinking of doing it to break up the colour a bit.

[meggles]

Ok no worries, I thought it was a recent paint job.
I'll give the rustolem Orange a go. I like the black stripe down the side too, that's the way I'm thinking of doing it to break up the colour a bit.

If you want to be really flash you can put some fancy "scroll" type lettering in the stripe area, you know - the stick on type. Then paint over it. When you remove it you have a bit of a design, logo. (If you see what I mean).
I just checked my paint colour. It was def Rustoleum Traffic Red.

[Silky]

Just a question regarding the finish...

To get the best shine do I simply T-Cut and polish the final coat, or should I flatten it back first? I've done quite well getting rid of bubbles (running it over with a dry roller afterwards has worked a treat) but the coat is really really smooth when I flatten it back. But I guess I have to T-Cut the nice and glossy top surface rather than one that's been matted?

I put another coat on mine at the weekend and I'm getting to be quite a dab hand at this now. I've kept the paint really thin as I've found it easier to get a smooth finish, it is however meaning more coats - I suspect 3 will give me the finish I'm hoping for. One mistake I did make was to do a little cutting in around a tight area using a paint brush - the paint was thicker and left some slight stroke marks. I've managed to flatten them out eventually but I should have known better.

I'm so chuffed you started this thread Covkid !

Silky

[CovKid]

Flatten it - 800 - 1200 is a nice grade to use as it removes less but does take the top off any raised areas. Then T-cut. Best to try an area.So much depends on how much paint is on there and how good you were.

[Cyrus]

Ok no worries, I thought it was a recent paint job.
I'll give the rustolem Orange a go. I like the black stripe down the side too, that's the way I'm thinking of doing it to break up the colour a bit.

If you want to be really flash you can put some fancy "scroll" type lettering in the stripe area, you know - the stick on type. Then paint over it. When you remove it you have a bit of a design, logo. (If you see what I mean).
I just checked my paint colour. It was def Rustoleum Traffic Red.

Thanks for the paint code.

I was thinking of a logo in the black trip too, give it a 70's muscle car kind of look.
It's lovely and sunny here and just want to get on with it now!

[meggles]

Just been sorting the blemishes on mine (OK, the rust scabs!!). Some crazing on the roof too needed attention. Sprayed repaired areas with a rattle can to protect from the elements.Hoping to do the Rustoleum treatment starting next week or maybe week after. Might just get a coat on before Pickering!!

[Silky]

Flatten it - 800 - 1200 is a nice grade to use as it removes less but does take the top off any raised areas. Then T-cut. Best to try an area.So much depends on how much paint is on there and how good you were.

I'm so pleased you've said that, I've flattened down a few panels and they're really smooth now, I can't wait to T-Cut them. One of the things I like about rollering is that there's no need to be frightened of trying something, if it doesn't work it can be sanded down and a new coat added.

I take it T-Cut isn't temperature sensitive? It would be nice to be able to crack on with it all even if the weather's a bit iffy.

Silky

[CovKid]

You don't want to be cutting in hot weather anyway in my view - it dries up before you get going. I'm not saying that T-cut is the best stuff either. There are loads of professional cutting compounds but as always you do need enough paint on it or you'll just cut through.

One of the things I like about rollering is that there's no need to be frightened of trying something, if it doesn't work it can be sanded down and a new coat added.

Silky

Yes exactly Silky, and since the seams are often a source of trouble on the T25, this method allows you to discover which areas need more extensive work rather than spend a fortune and finding it ruined because there is rust bubbling up. This is not unlike treating a narrowboat against the ravages of Brit weather.

I still get one or two who ask me what the finish is like close up but as those that have followed me on this will know, it depends WHO did it and what mix. I've got some areas of mine that were perfect first time and needed no flatting or even cutting whatsoever but I don't regard my van as the best or definitive one - I've seen some great ones at shows. The final finish is always dependent on good prep and not rolling it on like toffee. I wouldn't spray a T25 again unless I was looking for a metallic finish or something - too difficult to match if it gets scratched or needs remedial work for corrosion. Rollering wins every time for me. Mine is 6 years old now and I'll be doing another coat this year if I get time as well as remedial work on side windows and rear arches.

We're coming up to the perfect months to do this outside and if this weather holds, it may be possible to do it a month earlier. April/May are perfect usually. For the record, the DVD has been followed in Norway, Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Canada, several states in the US as well as the Far East.

Heck, 2,000 posts and over 155,000 views.... - and when I first penned this a few took the pee.

I have a nice idea for the T25 in the pipeline too. A touch of smart bling. Just trying to establish it in kit format....

[Trunkster]

Bad news guys. Andrews paints which is the rustoliom outlet burnt to the ground on Wednesday in the big fire at Carvers Wolverhampton. I am sure they will be up and running soon but it could hold orders up for a bit. I hope they have good records as they mixed my colour for me and was a one off!!!