Tips on painting metal panels

[TheBigRigger122]

Hey guys, just wondering some tips on painting the metal panels. Obviously you gotta sand, prime and paint. What grit are you guys using to sand? What kind of paint? Do you guys recommend getting a dirt/grease remover or can I just use rubbing alcohol? Ive never painted sheet metal and want it to turn out nicely. Thanks in advance.

[phillyb]

I tried painting some aluminum panels. Sanded with one of those blocks, cant remember the grit. I got self-etching automotive primer, then used regular duratrax RC paint, then automotive clear coat. It still chipped on the rocks but looked great anyway! I ended up going another direction since it kept getting hung on the rocks. I may do it again.

[cyberhog05]

I'd use vinyl. It's much easier to peel it off after you destroy it. You can get about any color and it's cheap. Hit up a local sign shop if you go that route.

Yes rubbing alcohol will clean it, I wouldn't use anything lower than 120 grit. 320 grit would wrk good. Don't spray your paint to thick to avoid chips. 3m abrasive pads work well. Walmart has them in automotive.

[DeviledEggs]

I sanded my bare panels with a pretty coarse grit, 60 IIRC. Cross-hatching pattern.

Painter's Touch 2 in 1 from the hardware store. 4-5 light coats, sanding with 400 in between.

Then maybe 5-6 light coats of Tamiya clear, 400 in between. One last heavy coat to get the shine...

It still chipped a little but its to be expected. Overall, its a very durable finish. And if youre gonna use decals, you can bury them under the clear.

[TheBigRigger122]

Thanks everyone for the replies! I just started the process today with the hood (Limited daily time). I picked up a 3m sanding kit that has a velcro block and velcro paper (400, 1000, and 1500 grit). I have self etching primer so would I need to sand the primer before the top coat? It does have a couple of particles in it. And do I use the 1500 grit before the clear or after?

[DeviledEggs]

It wouldnt hurt to hit the primer with the 400 but it isnt absolutely necessary. You can use either the 1000 or 1500 to wet sand between clear coats but not on the final layer, it won't shine. Just lay down a medium-heavy coat as even as you can. You shouldnt get much orange peel, if any. The Tamiya clear is good stuff.

Ideally, you would hit the last coat with wet 2000-2500 grit and then polish, wax and buff. But that seems a bit excessive in this case.

[TheBigRigger122]

Originally Posted by DeviledEggs

It wouldnt hurt to hit the primer with the 400 but it isnt absolutely necessary. You can use either the 1000 or 1500 to wet sand between clear coats but not on the final layer, it won't shine. Just lay down a medium-heavy coat as even as you can. You shouldnt get much orange peel, if any. The Tamiya clear is good stuff.

Ideally, you would hit the last coat with wet 2000-2500 grit and then polish, wax and buff. But that seems a bit excessive in this case.

Cool, thanks man. Im looking for that show quality ;) haha i actually just bored so I don't have a problem going the extra mile.

[cyberhog05]

Here's another tip I have used to get paint to lay really smooth. Put your rattle cans in hot water. The heat thins the paint and it lays glass smooth....