| sanding Blocks blocks
1. When a normal sanding block just can't conform to detailed body lines and tight corners, it's time for a specialized tool. Soft-Sanders are lightweight, flexible manual sanding blocks in six profiles of three different densities, and are designed to be used with adhesive-backed sandpaper as well as wet/dry sandpaper. Each sander is manufactured from solvent resistant foam so it can stand up to harsh use. For more information, call (706) 354-6782, or check out www.soft-sanders.com.
2. Sata provides professionals with a full line of spray guns and airbrushes to choose from, including the SataJet 3000, which is capable of spraying both water and solvent-based paint. The SataJet 3000 features high transfer rates and VOC compatability for environmental safety, and fine material atomization for a homogenous material distribution. For the ultimate in control, the DigitalEye pressure gauge is available for perfect repeatability. For more information, visit www.sata.com/usa.
3. The new Quick Cut wet color-sanding system pumps just the right amount of filtered liquid onto the sanded surface. The Quick Cut sanding system uses a combination of various density foam interface pads and high quality PSA waterproof Indasa paper to achieve a show car finish, or remove just enough orange peel to have a perfect match for the new-car spot repair. The Quick Cut system saves hours of hand sanding, reduces buffing time, and achieves a smoother finish all while keeping your hands out of the soapy liquid. For more information, call (253) 720-9822, or check out www.quickcutsanders.com.
4. Glare's Hurricane Buffing pad system uses Aero-Cell reticulated foam to allow for maximum airflow to the surface. This creates an air cushion that helps reduce overheating paint caused by friction in High RPM situations. Each pad also uses Glare's patented dual beveled-edge design, which concentrates working pressure from the contact area of the pad directly to the surface. This creates superior results, with less effort, and in a shorter amount of time. For more information, call (866) 374-5272, or visit www.glare.com.
5. Adjustable Flexibility Sanders are made from high-quality polyether foam and are molded, not extruded, to ensure a long life. The base of each sander is made from tempered spring steel or .060-inch aluminum, depending on the model. By adding or removing flexible rods of varying diameters, you can control how much the sander flexes. These sanders will pick out lows that your hand or naked eye almost always misses. For more information, call toll free (877) 459-7167, or check out their website at www.adjustflexsand.com.
6. A step above traditional HVLP guns, the DeVilbiss Plus gravity spray gun features higher pressures at the air cap. What this means for painters and consumers is better atomization for a smoother finish on high-solid clearcoats, more flow for faster spray times, and transfer efficiency that's equal to, or better than, HVLP guns. All of these improvements were developed with clean air as a priority, so the gun had to meet stringent South Coast Air Quality Management District requirements that are required in several Southern California areas. Plus technology is also approved in Kern County, CA; Texas; Rhode Island; and Vancouver, British Columbia. Additional approvals are still pending. For more information about the DeVilbiss Plus gravity-feed spray gun, approvals from other state or provincial environmental agencies, or automotive spray finishing in general, please contact DeVilbiss at (419) 891-8231, or visit www.devilbiss.com.
7. Designed for the renowned Hawaiian painter Dennis Mathewson, Alsa's Hawaiian Hues includes primary and secondary base colors that are formulated with rich, intense pigments that ensure solid coverage. For more information on Hawaiian Hues and Alsa's other color lines, call (323) 581-5200, or visit www.alsacorp.com.
8. Meguiar's Solo System Cut & Polish Cream is a one-step liquid for both compounding and polishing. Advanced Unigrit technology speeds up the paint finishing process and delivers level cutting and swirl-free polishing in an environmentally safe, VOC compliant formula. For more information, contact Meguiar's Inc. at (949) 752-8000, or go to www.meguiars.com.
9. 3M has been a staple in auto body shops for decades. Until recently, their products have been used mostly behind the scenes, but now you can buy the same adhesives, abrasives, polishes, waxes, and cleaners that professionals have been swearing by for years. For more information, visit www.3m.com.
10. Evercoat's Z-Grip filler is the choice of several top paint shops because of its superior adhesion to bare steel and aluminum. This clog-free filler also honors OEM corrosion warranties, so it won't be the starting point for rust. For more information, call (513) 489-7600, or visit www.evercoat.com.
11. Turtle Wax's new Premium Polishing Compound is a blend of professional grade, nanotechnology polishing agents that will restore a showroom shine and luster to your car's finish. It easily removes swirl marks, minor scratches and light oxidation, while restoring gloss and color to all automotive painted surfaces. For more information, call Turtle Wax at (630) 455-3700, or check out www.turtlewax.com.
12. Custom-made to pinstriper Tom Kelly's specifications, Mack's Tom Kelly striping brush is perfect for laying down intricate designs, lettering, and graphics. To get yourself a set of these brushes, call Kelly and Sons Crazy Painters at (562) 867-0511.
13. SEM Products line of paints, through Color Horizons Custom Finishes, include base concentrates, candy concentrates, fluorescent concentrates, pearls, and flakes to help you create virtually any custom finish paintjob you can imagine. These intense color solutions work with you to produce unique and one-of-a-kind projects. For more information, call (800) 831-1122, or visit www.sem.ws.
14. We couldn't give you a paint and body buyers' guide without mentioning DuPont Performance Coating's ChromaBase and ChromaClear, a perinneal favorite at hundreds of auto refinishing and custom shops. ChromaBase is an easy to use, fast-drying basecoat that's available in solid, metallic, pearl, and a multitude of special-effect colors to help you create anything from a perfect match of an OEM finish to dazzling show-winning graphics. For more information on DuPont's automotive finishes, visit www.performancecoatings.dupont.com.
15. If you have an early-model custom project and want the perfect flat look, the Kustom Shop's newest paint might be what you've been waiting for. Hot Rod Flatz is a pre-flattened, ready to spray, low-gloss urethane color with a 30-degree satin-primer appearance. There's no guessing with how much flattener to add; it's already added for you.Just mix at the 4-parts color to 1 part hardener to 1 part reducer ratio, and you will be ready to spray. Hot Rod Flatz is a fast drying two-component, chemical-resistant urethane finish that provides excellent adhesion to properly prepared steel, aluminum, fiberglass and OEM finishes. Hot Rod Flatz also contains UV inhibitors to protect your finish from fading and chalking, unlike the traditional primers. Now you don't have to be limited to just primer for your flat look. With 36 traditional to wild Hot Rod solid colors and 20 metallic and pearl colors to choose from, flat paint goes way beyond black. For more information, call (858) 909-2188, or for a color chart, check out www.KustomShop.com.
16. The first airbrush to create a fan-patterned spray, Iwata's Kustom TH stands alone among its peers. Triggering the imagination of auto-body touch-up and Kustom painting, the Kustom TH delivers unprecedented control of a fan pattern with a minimum of overspray, giving it a unique advantage over mini touch-up guns. It's great for small areas such as chip repair, fender welds, doorjambs and other hard to reach areas. Each Iwata airbrush is spray-tested before shipment to assure maximum performance and adherence to Iwata's strict quality standards. For more information, call (503) 253-7308, or visit www.iwata-medea.com.
17. If you have a small space that's in need of some custom airbrushing, check out Artool's Mini Series airbrush stencils designed by Craig Fraser. Each stencil is 5x7 inches and is made of tough, solvent-resistant material to last for years. With over a dozen stencil sets to choose from, they've got spark plugs, flames, skulls, pin-up girls, dice, and Tiki gods covered. For more information, call (503) 253-7308, or check out the website at www.iwata-medea.com.
