We've said it before, but it's worth repeating: A modern paint sandwich is a multi-layer coat of various paint products with a common chemistry--the first rule to a successful long-lasting high-gloss paint job. We were fortunate to work with Mitch Lanzini, a professional painter who performs everyday repair work and paints street rods for a living. Mitch has dealt with the changing laws and ordinances governing modern paint and feels the current array of materials are quite capable of producing first-rate and lasting results.
In the past, we've dedicated most of an article to modern paint materials. Also, ta past issue of Custom Classic Trucks published more information on modern primer/surfacers from PPG, DuPont, and Valspar/House of Kolor. This time we wanted to further the discussion by talking in general terms about the procedure to follow, and show how we painted a 'glass '33 Ford roadster.
It should be no secret to the average rodder that HVLP stands for "High-Volume Low-Pressure." These new spray guns put great amounts of material on a surface and less in the air as overspray. As the cost of materials has continued to rise, it's important to waste as little as possible. HVLP also requires a more watchful eye, as the solid content is generally higher to eliminate carriers that evaporate into the atmosphere.
Any regular reader of R&C can find a wealth of information on paint tips and techniques. We'll add our experience to those of the past and hope you pick up something new. What most people who build street rods know (or quickly learn) is that rarely does anything come ready-to-paint, even when it's the best you can buy. Thorough preparation for primer and topcoat/clearcoat is the foundation for a successful paint job and the key to a successful presentation when it comes to street rods. Show-quality street rods and customs take even greater pains to achieve the necessary paint quality.
We may not cover every little detail in paint mixing or even all the secret details, but here are some of the more important tips we picked up from Lanzini Body Works in Huntington Beach, California.
