Thread: What to do ...paint job

I just finished painting my motorhome using Altex yacht paint (NZ made).

I sanded off the clear coat and most of the top coat with 120g. No need to use a primer if the paint/primer underneath the top coat is still good.

Add 20% Penetrol to the Altex. And then roll it on with a 4" foam roller.
Some of you are probably thinking 'He used a bloody Roller!'. But it turned out great...really great.
If you are interested in an easy $400 DIY paint job then this is the method.

Originally Posted by Hermitage

I just finished painting my motorhome using Altex yacht paint (NZ made).

I sanded off the clear coat and most of the top coat with 120g. No need to use a primer if the paint/primer underneath the top coat is still good.

Add 20% Penetrol to the Altex. And then roll it on with a 4" foam roller.
Some of you are probably thinking 'He used a bloody Roller!'. But it turned out great...really great.
If you are interested in an easy $400 DIY paint job then this is the method.

My old boss did that with his car many many years ago (early 70s I think) He was very proud of the job too so it must have come out OK. I dont know if my rolling would be any better than my spraying. Will touch base with the guy @mudgripz referred me too.

@Hermitage which kind of Altex paint did you use?

Originally Posted by Hermitage

roll it on with a 4" foam roller.
Some of you are probably thinking 'He used a bloody Roller!'. But it turned out great...really great..

my grandfather used to brush paint (repaint) cars back in the day..... flatten it out between coats then after the last coat flatten back again then cut and polish ...by hand .... a repaint took about a month to complete got a mirror finish.....but thats how it was done before we all had compressors and spray guns

Originally Posted by rupert

@Hermitage which kind of Altex paint did you use?

I used Altex Regatta single stage marine paint which is classed as a "Polyurethane Modified Gloss Finish" from Discount marine http://discount-marine.co.nz.
You can also use International Toplac which I believe Bunnings sell.

I stayed away from 2 part paint like Altex Elite 321 marine paint as 2 part poly gets unworkable really fast in these hot summer days. Rightly or wrongly, I believe rolling and tipping with two part polyurethane paint is for the professionals who have the right equipment - tent to control temperature and humidity and "spacesuit" protection for safety.

With single stage paints like the Altex Regatta, there’s no need to apply a clear coat layer, because the paint was made with ingredients that give it a glossy finish. I added 20% Penetrol (Bunnings), to the Altex Regatta to help it self-level.

Basic method I used was:

a ) lay on a thin coat of the Altex Regatta to one section or panel of the car at a time.

b ) immediately go over that same area with a 3 or 4 inch high quality hog brush to wipe away any bubbles.

c ) let dry (12 hours)

d ) wet sand with a 1500 or 2000

e ) repeat steps a to d until you reach a level of uniform color (2 or 3 coats)

f ) lay down one final coat with no wet sanding.

Done