Ok Auto Paint Gurus Need Help!

[darth_myeek]

I have a project where I am replicating the finish of a 1950's Telecaster.

I thought I was going to waltz into an automotive paint supply shop and have them custom mix a color for me, and either load it into aerosols or hand me a quart to shoot myself. I was shot down because I need it in a nitrocellulose lacquer base, and I live in CA. :lol To make it more interesting, I want to have a powdered pigment added so it will react under a black light. Is that too much to ask? The shop gave me the impression, CA has not used nitro for 20 years.

I have a close nitrocellulose lacquer color approximation in aerosol, and I have clear nitro aerosols. Should I decant and blend the clear with the powdered pigment, or do you think if I should keep searching for a shady autopaint place? How are powders blended? Shaken or Stirred with a drill attachment?

:confused

 

[Delmustator]

Goto a reputable paint shop and ask them how it's done and how to get what you need.

 

[cheech9898]

You may not be able to find it from an auto supply. California State & EPA regs have forced pretty much the whole auto industry in the state to the new water-bourne base /clear systems. I think there are still limited exemptions for other industries, so you might check with a guitar shop or ask around on some guitar or furniture restoration boards about getting nitrocel lacquer in California. Dunno if Duplicolor's 'paint shop' system was approved out there (I doubt it) but it's lacquer based (not sure if it's nitrocel thou). Most of the parts stores carry it like Advanced Autoparts, Napa, and even some Wal-Marts.

 

[DaveG]

Yup, Nitro based auto lacquers have been almost impossible to find for 20 years. First they got replaced by Acrylic lacquers, which have now been phased out by the water based crap. Well, it may be fine for painting cars but it's crap for models!

You can still find clear nitro lacquer for wood finishing. www.Rockler.com carries it. If you've got dry pigments, just mix the heck out of it and do a test. I know I've had success mixing metallic pigment powders with nitro lacquer.

You might also look for advice on forums for the Hot Rod or Custom Chopper crowd. I know a lot of old time custom car painters still think nitrocellulose lacquers are the best and might have some tips.

Good luck.

 

[DaveG]

Your question got me curious and I did a bit of searching. The guys, www.stewmac.com sell both the clear Nitro lacquers and liquid pigments for them.

 

[darth_myeek]

Guys, This really gets me going. Thanks for the replies. I was stumped for a bit. I never thought about getting quarts of clear from Stew Mac. That suggestion helped me to find out I want nitro without plasticisers which prevent checking. Neat to know metallic pigment mixed well, because mine is a really fine grade powder and should not be a problem.


Thanks again :thumbsup