Any thoughts on what is better for top coating an entire painted rod blank... perma gloss or an automotive base / clear system


Thanks

They're similar products so it comes down to which is easier and most economical for you to obtain.

You can apply PG yourself, most will have to employ an automotive paint shop for the latter.

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well that brings up a good point.... I would love to know how similar the 2 products are. I restore cars as a hobby so im very familiar with spraying base/clear and have all the equip in my garage. I was more curious the difference in the 2 products and which would hold up better. It would definitely be cheaper and easier to apply PG by hand as I would not need all of the activators and reducers... Not to mention the need to break down equipment for cleanup.

However auto paint sure is tough stuff and is definitely as high tech as you can get in the coatings world.

I have used Lumiseal and Plastikote clear and had good results with both. The Plastikote is very thick and must be applied with several extremely light coats.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

I have not tried it - Yet - But I wonder if you could mix up a very small amount of the Auto Clear and wipe it on as you would PG . PG is fast to set and you have to be quick to apply it But the Auto Clear should be able to be mixed thin and give you a slower set time so it can level

Bill - willierods.com

The difference in the products is the cure mechanism. Permagloss dries by exposure to moisture (which is why it doesn't like to be run through a spray gun) while the automotive urethane cures by chemical reaction with a hardener/activator.

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Be very careful using perma gloss over paint, it is a very hot product as it cures and can ruin some paint jobs. It is an excellent product over bare blanks but very touchy in compatability with paint,especially fresh paint that has not complely cured. I have not tried lumiseal over paint but I think it might be a better product for this application.

Well it looks like auto paint / clear may be the way to go.

I may eventually try what Bill mentioned and mix up some with a slow activator and see if it can be brushed on. That would eliminate the cost and time in breaking down spray guns etc....

Casey,
Likely the best way to go is to polish the blank and after the rod is finished, apply a light coat of wax and rub the wax down for a nice sheen.

Save lots of weight and lots of trouble that way.

Good wraps.

Roger

Casey

The sponge paint brushes at home depot may be the way to apply. ??

Since you have the equipment to spray it why not use an air brush to spray. easy to clean

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/17/2011 09:09AM by bill boettcher.