[Bluepen]

OK, I'm doing the final body work and priming on my '46 Chevy panel truck. What I need to know is how can I figure out how much paint I need? I've got the firewall and door jams done already so it will be just the outside of the truck. Is there a formula I need to know to figure this? I would hate to be between coats and run out of paint.

Thanks

 

[Benji]

It depends on what type of paint gun you are using, what type of paint you are using, and how many coats you put on the vehicle. As an example, I just finished a 1971 Olds 442 coupe. I used a syphon type gun, used base coat clear coat-three coats of both base and clear and I needed one gallon of both base and clear. I had about 1/2 pint of base left over and no clear. In my opinion this is nearly perfect as now I have a little paint to touch up the inevitable scratches.

Benji

 

[TurboS10]

If you are paint inside and out the same color, I would get more than a gallon. I used a gallon on my S-10 and painted everything but the inside of the bed which I used liner. I used a full gallon of base and one and a half of clear. I used three coats of each.

Chris

 

[Bluepen]

OK, I guess I should have put in more info, my fault. I'll be using a top load HVLP gun with single stage paint. The inside, just dash and inner front doors are already a different color than the body. So it will be just a full outer paint job.

Thanks

 

[TurboS10]

A gallon should do I would think, but there is alot of surface area on the side of the panel. It is better to have too much than not enough.

Chris

 

[46_stvblt]

Bluepen: I'd like to know what kind of paint your'e using. I am going back and forth on whether to use single stage or two stage. would be interested in how it turns out. I painted a couple of cars a long time ago but time has caught up with me in the technology and I don't know if I can handle the new stuff.... GlennK <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

 

[Dragon J]

(my $.02) I sprayed single stage for years and had such good luck I said I'd never change- then took my brother's advice and sprayed base/clear... I'll NEVER go back to single stage!! The gloss=INCREDIBLE!!! Easy to spray and any minor imperfections or runs are easily sanded and touched up before the clear. It is very forgiving, but a little hard to see the pearl or flake if you go metallic. Solid colors are a breeze!! Three stage was more difficult and I'll stick to two... Good luck guys! (If you're using HVLP a gallon would be way enough I'd think.)

 

[Bluepen]

The paint I'm using is a single stage Urethane solid color paint and will apply three coats (planned anyway). I've done the firewall area already and have a pic posted in my photo album. It glossed out really nice. I've never done painting before but I think it came out very nice.
Now I'd like to know if I can clear coat over the urethane for added depth in the finish maybe put just a touch of flake in it too, just a thought I'm looking at.

Thanks folks

David

 

[adtkart]

I have to agree with Dragon.... I think a gallon should be enough if you are using HVLP. There should be very little overspray or waste with that type of system. I have only used BC/CC one time. I used single stage numerous times in the past, and decided to go ahead and try the "new" stuff. I won't go back either. If only my wife was as forgiving as that stuff is....

 

[46_stvblt]

Well I guess I should take the plunge, Harbor freight has their HVLP gun on sale this month for 49.95 so I think I'll do it Thanks for the input. I guess its time to climb into the 21st century....glennK

 

[Dragon J]

Bluepen, if you want to clear don't put as many coats on as you're bound to get some 'chipping' as the mils will be too thick... (around edges like hood, doors ,etc. if it is too thick) Make sure your paints are compatible. It is easier to clear over base, but I have cleared other paints with success. (adtkart- know what ya mean!! -the wife could take some lessons!!)

[ May 13, 2003: Message edited by: Dragon J ]</p>

 

[adtkart]

A problem I have seen in the past is that people want to put heavy coats on and then clear. Like Dragon said, it will be more succeptable to chipping. The problem is with the thick paint, you end up with holes instead of chips. If you plan on using a clear coat, consider that BC/CC is done in light coats for a reason. The usual paint job of single stage is about the same thickness as the total of a BC/CC.

 

[waltmail]

A gravity fed HVLP gun will probably use 30 % less paint than a conventional syphon. Less waste, by far. PPG base coat uses 1:1 reducer/paint. Whatever you buy in paint will be doubled in volume by the reducer. One gallon of base added to 1 gallon of reducer would be enough to paint a huge car.3 coats should give you adequate coverage. Ist coat should be light 2nd and 3rd should be wet.Since PPG clear coat mixes 4:1 you will not get as much coverage as the base coat. I would not skimp on the clear coat. A gallon of each should be sufficient. If you buy an extra gallon of clear coat, bring back the unopened can if not needed. 3 coats of wet clear works great. Have fun.