Spray Primers

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

As my local Halfords doesn't stock high temp primers, would a normal car spray primer be sufficient enough to withstand the heat on a mamod at all? If not what would people recommend?

Thanks!

[DLRdan]

It depends what part you want it for. Some normal car paint will be fine on the body, the blacks from HYCOTE stand the heat very well but their colours can soften. I have used carplan paints with great success on the bodies and give a very good hardwearing finish. I have used normal paint on boilers in the past with some success and high temperature with a similar outcome, although the normal paint did survive longer.

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

Will plastikote/car body sprays just spray straight onto the sidetank body panels without the need for priming at all? Cause it'll save me a bit of time/money if I can do that!

[DLRdan]

No, the paint needs something to adere to and it gives a much better finish. If you make the extra effort now it will last much longer.

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

OK, Will have a look round then today for a suitable one! Thanks for your help!

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

I got a plastikote primer and normal colour spray to go on top, currently the first coat of primer is done, going to carry on tomorrow in between revision for exams!

[dougrail]

Boilers, ie where VHT paint is needed, can be painted directly on. The only caveat is that without curing, even once dry, it comes off very easily. So cure it!! I cannot stres this long enough chap - and if you're stuck for a heat source [like I was], try and find a cheap electric toaster oven - it does the business as I have found to my great pleasure for both 'Nova' and 'Sirius'.

For bodywork, if you're using Plastikote, use their white primer and use the correct "system" ie, if using their "Super" Satin range, use a 'Super' primer.

Two coats of primer and three coats of colour, plus a varnish should make quite the bodywork.

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

I'm still searching round for a VHT matt black for the smokeboxes, but I went for the grey super primer with a super gloss one, which should do I hope! I've done 2 layers of primer now, and may possibly later on today should get the first layer of top coat on!

[dougrail]

Sounds good, I'm awaiting to paint one piece x 3 coats, then one last coat on two pieces...then I an bake the fuggin' lot and line and varnish 'em before the week's out!