I thought I would put together my thoughts and experiance of shooting cars using plexidip and the ready to spray version. Yes you can add the solvent yourself and come out cheaper but without warranty (I know: what warranty!!)
1st off I suggest a HVLP paint sprayer (warm, dry air) to shoot it with and the proper needle. I think it is a 1.5mm tip and nozzle for HVLP. You can spray with air using a 1.8mm tip but make sure you have filters for oil, water and dirt in line. Remember this is cold wet air your using.
I have sprayed whole cars with this and the key is in the details. You must clean it really really well, I suggest Dawn to get clean and then a citrus degreaser, and then another wash with Dawn.* If you have to do any repairs just prime them with 2 part epoxy primer and then wet sand and compound it to a shine.
Once done you need to remove all silicon,wax, and grease with a solvent made for the job. (follow the directions). Mask everything as best possible. It is better to mask less than too much as you can exacto cut and peel the overspray.
Make sure you have epoxy thinner or Industrial Maintenance Coating Thinner handy for use as needed. Prep the paint per directions, strain into gun, I suggest a real organic respirator for this job but others just use really good cone filters in a ventilated area,
Use a real respirator not a toy!!!!
Start with an old body panel or sealed cardboard box (TV) to get a feel for prime, wet, slick coats as you don't want runs.
:cuss
Start on the roof and do the whole roof. I stand on a ladder and spray away from my body to get a wet seam when I move to the other side.
Move to your quarter, door(s), and fender. then your hood and the down the other side and move on to the trunk (if you are painting bumpers then do them after the hood or trunk lid).
Wait the recoat per instructions and then repeat 2 more times.
WARNING allow to dry completely, recoating over unflashed product will call lifting and bubbling!!!!! ** tip; I change direction on the 2nd full coat to avoid streaking but always paint the last 2 coats side to side.
*** PRO TIP:You now know about how much you need to go amount the vehicle. Make up another batch adding 10-15% thinner in the mix. Test it on your test box and see how smooth it becomes.. If you don't like it, skip this stage.. Practice till you can cover without runs!
After the dry time has passed spray a heavy, without runs, coat on the car as before and let it dry per directions.
Inspect for issues and uniformity and correct as needed, If a door doesn't look perfect, as in, lack of product applied, this is when you can fix it. Spray using the thinned final coat material as needed respecting dry times. SPRAY THE COMPLETE PANEL BLENDING INTO THE ADJACENT PANELS
You can now get a trash can ready and: A, carefully remove masking or B, clean up your gun, tools and trash. either way it's your call. I say mask then clean as you have earned yourself a beer while cleaning up!!!!
Insert picture of a cold craft brew here!!!!
Hopefully this either inspires you or scares you from this process but it is easy and fun and yes if you put a 5 coats total (one light prime, 3 full coats, and a slick coat on the car it will peel right off.
* never wash your car with Dawn unless you are waxing it immediately after!!
