Q\'s about applying clear laquer when painting

[logicalChimp]

I\'ve got one of my dash panels painted already, as a test run before I do the rest of the dash.

So far, after prepping the panel (by removing the rubber coating with 120grit, and then following up with 400 and 800 grit), I have used 3 layers of plastic primer (each layer left to dry for 15-20 mins, then lightly sanded with 1500 grit), and 4 layers of paint (again, each layer left to dry for 15-20 mins, then lightly sanded with 1500 grit - except the final layer)

Questions are:
* should I sand the final paint layer prior to applying the laquer
* should I sand the laquer between layers?
* is 15-20 mins the right drying time for each layer of laquer?

I\'m using the aerosol spray cans from Halfords (red plastic primer, Renault \'Persian Red\' pearlescent paint, and standard clear laquer)

Not done any painting like this before, so not sure what effect sanding the laquer would have - and likewise the effect of sanding (or not sanding) the top layer of paint...

[logicalChimp]

Anyone?

As an extra question - what do I need to do if I want a matt finish instead of a shiny gloss one?  I\'m guessing I shouldn\'t use the laquer - so what should I use instead to protect the paint?

[Ricco_04]

When I paint I only sand down the primer.  Then I apply the base colour and then the lacquer.  Once all dry then I will sand & polish (G3 type compound) the lacquer and I get a proper good finish.

When spraying several layers of colour/laquer or primer you should allow a flash time af approx 15 mins and drying time is usually a lot longer.

Thats just how I do things, people have different methods which they swear by

HTH Ricco.

p.s : interior panels some people prefer matt or satin to minimise reflections.  Leaving off the laquer should be fine I would have thought?

[logicalChimp]

Ok - yet another question:

How much of a difference does it make to the final finish if I leave the paint to dry for 24 hours before applying the laquer, compared to just letting the paint dry for 15 mins?

If I only give it 15 mins, is it more likely to chip/peel?

I\'ve seen different recommendations about drying time around the \'net - but nothing on what difference it actually makes...

[Ricco_04]

The paint I use reccomend you to just flash for 15 mins else the lacquer wont \'properly\' stick to the base.  It does depend on what paint you are using though.

I would say that as long as the lacquer and base dont react then it would be better to apply lacquer after the 15 min flash time.

Get a redundant piece if you can and see if the 2 react if you are unsure, will save messing up a pannel  My guess is that it will be fine

[logicalChimp]

Cheers Ricco

[Ricco_04]

No worries, hope it all goes to plan

[logicalChimp]

Alas, see my other thread...