Polester Sealers

[mortimer]

I have been searching forever to find a good paint system to do a swirl jem copy. Someone had told me in the past about piano type sealers because they are hard and durable. Does anyone know anything about these? What brands to use and the correct system. Does the sealer go directly on the bare wood then a basecoat and paint? I am a newbie on this polyester stuff and would like to use it if I can find out how and the brands to use. I have access to a complete spray booth with ventalation and the works. Which I hear you need with the polyester. Just cannot find which brand to get and the correct system. Some say to seal, paint, seal again and clear. Most I find are reccomended with an entire polyester system of sealer, tinted surfacer and a topcoat. Any suggestions would be wonderful.

[killemall8]

house of kolor and custom shop have great polyester and epoxy primers.

http://www.tcpglobal.com/kustomshop/ksppolyprime.aspx

[ihocky2]

if you are interested in any of the catalysed finish, make sure you are aware of the dangers and the proper precautions to take. All finishes are dangerous, but the 2-parts are a lot worse.

[syxxstring]

Also know that while the HOK primers are killer. It CAN NOT be painted directly over you need to spray a KO-Seal over it. House of Kolor has no solutions that allow you to paint directly over their primers. None, nada, zip.

Ko-Seal is a great base and you can tint the metallic or white to be your first layer for artwork and such. Ko seal would be a great bass for a swirl I believe though especially their metallic, you can even tint it.

And if your going to do it use all HOK products, color, clear and primer/sealer.

People will tell you to mix brands but its just not a good idea, brands mix different solvents and levels, so while it may be okay you don't know what it will do in the long run. Spraying on a piece of scrap or test panel just tells you its not a bad idea for a day or so, you don't know what will happen in 5 years.

Before you commit to HOK, read the tech manual its on their site.

I would buy my HOK from Coast Airbrush(coastairbrush.com). They will match anyone's price and provide superior support and service.

The other advantage of Coast is they don't premix thier HOK small quantities. What's the big deal:

1. Control, you don't know TCP Globals reduction rate. You want to control this, or at least know what it is. For a swirl I would way over reduce to get more time and a thinner film.

2. Price, reducer is way cheaper than paint or kandies. So while TCP seems competitive they are really pulling the wool over your eyes.

3. Shelf life. Reduced paints and especially the kandies have about a week of shelf life before they start to get grainy and funky when you spray. Subtract shipping time from this.

As always your mileage may vary.

[mortimer]

Thanks a ton!!! I really appreciate the advice.