BASECOATING PRACTICE TILES
The Spectra Chrome basecoat layer is sprayed using two medium-wet coats applied in a “criss-cross” pattern; with no drying or flash time allowed in between coats. Before spraying the basecoat, ensure that your spray gun has been adjusted to the settings specified in the Basecoat Gun Settings section.
For this demonstration, we will use the same 3″ x 6″ ceramic bathroom wall tiles included with your LI System; so you can follow along on the same exact substrate.
To maximize paint usage and spray efficiency, we suggest arranging several tiles on a grating, so that they can be sprayed together as if they were one part. We have arranged our tiles on a dish drying rack purchased from Wal-Mart. Another option is taping a paint stick to the back of each individual tile, and spraying them one at a time.
When spraying Spectra Chrome products, ensure that your work space is well ventilated; and always wear appropriate safety gear.
First, clean each tile with water-based degreaser.
- Apply the degreaser to a clean towel, and wipe the degreaser over the surface of the tile.
- Immediately wipe away the degreaser with a clean, second towel. (Do not allow the degreaser to dry on the part, or streaking could occur.)
Immediately before painting, we will use a tack cloth and compressed air from the spray gun to remove any remaining dust or lint that may be present on the surface of the tiles.
- Squeeze the gun trigger down half way; so that compressed air is emitted, but no paint.
- Blow the compressed air across the surface of the tiles, while gently wiping the surface of the tiles with the tack cloth.
- Hold the tip of the spray gun nozzle approximately 4 to 6 inches away from the part at all times.
- Position each pass of the gun so that 50% of the spray pattern overlaps on top of the previous pass.
- Ensure the speed and distance of the spray gun is always held constant with respect to the part.
With practice, you will develop an intuitive understanding of the ideal distance and speed to use when applying the basecoat. Try adjusting your speed and distance, and see how this affects the basecoat finish.
Helpful Hints:
- Spraying the basecoat too slowly or too close to the part may result in a heavy deposit that can “run” or “sag”.
- Spraying the basecoat from too far away, moving the gun too quickly, or improper gun adjustment can result in a “rough” and “dry” textured basecoat – almost like sandpaper.
- The wrong needle size or fluid control adjustment can make the tile have an “orange peel” textured appearance.
After the entire surface has received one full coating, immediately begin the second coat without allowing any flash time. However, the second coat is applied 90° degrees perpendicular to the direction of the first coating. Mounting your tiles on a turntable makes it easier to rotate them 90° degrees for the second coat.
- Position yourself 90° degrees perpendicular to the direction of the first coating.
- Spray the second coat in the same manner as the first, continuing the 50% overlap technique, until the entire surface is coated again.
- Pay close attention to maintaining consistent speed and distance with each pass of the spray gun.
After spraying, be sure that you do not touch the basecoated surface in any way. Fingerprints, dust, and debris on the basecoated surface will be visible in the final silver layer. This is where the Warm Space becomes an integral part of your spray operation – place the freshly basecoated tiles into the warm space immediately after spraying to keep them protected while the basecoat dries.
Don’t worry if you can still see the original substrate color under your basecoat layer – as long as the entire surface of the part looks shiny, smooth, and glossy; your basecoat has been applied correctly. A “slick as glass” basecoat layer is the key to a perfect silver layer.
It is NOT necessary for the basecoat layer to be completely uniform black in color! Spraying until the color is uniform may result in a basecoat layer that is too thick. When in doubt, always let the glossiness of the surface be your indicator.
Spectra Chrome basecoat has been formulated for excellent self-leveling properties. It is common to see the basecoat continue to level itself over a few minutes after it is applied.
Depending on the amount of paint you choose to spray at one time, you may prefer a different size of paint reservoir for your gun. Here are a few additional examples of basecoating tiles, using different equipment configurations:
EXAMPLE 1:
40 tiles at the same time, arranged on an expanded metal grating. The painter is using the “stock” 32 oz. hopper which is included with the paint gun.
EXAMPLE 2:
18 tiles at the same time, arranged on a turntable. The painter is using the Harbor Freight 20 oz. Universal Paint System (UPS).
EXAMPLE 3:
Individual tiles one by one, each mounted on a paint stick. The painter is using the Sagola 7 oz. Disposable Paint Cup (DPC). We recommend this reservoir for spraying small quantities.
