Independence Day Holiday Hours

●INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY HOURS●

We will be closed for vacation July 2, 3, 4^th.

Reopening on Tuesday, July 5.

Tech Tip: Solvent Pop

●TECH TIPS●

Summer brings its own set of pleasures and problems.  The hot days are great for going to the lake, but not so great when refinishing a car.  One of the most common problems we see in the summer is solvent pop, small air bubbles or craters caused by the solvent rising to the top of the finish. Solvent pop is from the solvents being trapped below the surface of the top coat.  The solvent becomes trapped under the surface film (primer, sealer, paint) and then rises to the top as it tries to escape. This is due to one of the following situations:

1. Using incorrect reducer or hardener for air or substrate temperature, which causes a film on the surface of the primer, sealer, or paint making it appear ready for another coat.
2. Applying product too heavy.
3. Not giving enough flash time between coats.
4. Putting a freshly painted vehicle directly into the sunlight.

Prevention: Allow the solvents to escape the product:

1. Choose a reducer or hardener within the proper temperature range, slow to very slow for temperatures 80⁰ + This will allow the surface of the primer, sealers, paint, etc. to stay open long enough to allow the solvents to escape.
2. Do not apply sealers, primers, paint too heavy.

Allow enough flash time between coats, be sure to read your technical data sheets for each product. For example Matrix paints instructs:  Each coat of basecoat applied requires an additional 10 minutes flash time between coats before clear coating. So, four coats of base would require an additional 40 minutes before clear coating.

Visit our store for all your body shop supplies:  66 Auto Color

Joplin Tornado

For our customers who have been asking about us, we are okay and our store is okay, by the grace of God, I don't know why.

Just a few blocks from our store it is complete devastation. The town of Joplin is unrecognizable.  We actually live in Diamond, MO, which is about 10 miles east, so our house is fine and we have electricty here. It will be a long clean up process and we will do what we can to help. Right now only emergency people are allowed in that area.

We are very concerned about some of our local customers. We haven't been able to contact them, since information and phone service is spotty.
Thanks again,
Pat & Randy Garrison

Spray Max Review - 2001 Harley Super Glide

Sorry so slow in providing feedback but wanted to share how pleased I was with the SprayMax products. I repainted my 2001 Harley Super Glide last fall. Used the SprayMax Glamour 2K Clear over a 1K base of GM's Sunburst Orange Metallic II. I wet-sanded and polished the final coat of clear and this thing looked like glass! I couldn't have been more pleased.

I'll soon be ordering more of the same to repaint my 1981 Honda Goldwing.

Many thanks for your exemplary service and quality products.

Scott D.

 Apache Junction, AZ

(Scott used three of the Spray Max 1K aerosols and three of the SPM-3680061 Glamour High Gloss Clear Coat.)  For all our Spray Max products visit our e-store at 66 Auto Color

Motorcycle painted with Spray Max

This is what Fred M. had to say about the SprayMax paint, Epoxy, and Glamour Clear aerosols. He did a great custom job on his motorcycle.:

I've had great success with your SprayMax 2K primer, paint and clear coat on my bike and have decided to do my other ride (Kawasaki Nomad) in bright red . .

Spray Max Customer Golf Cart Project

Here is what one of our customers had to say about the Spray Max Aerosols. Marty sent some pictures of his completed project:

I found 66 Auto Color on the internet. I originally was going to do a wrap on my 1996 golf cart but thought I would take a shot at painting this. I have not painted a car in 40 years and then I had professional tools and a spray booth. I used Spray Max 2K Primer and a Stellar Marron base coat with the 2K Clear coat. This was so easy to use and came out better than I expected. I highly recommend these products and their staff. Pat and the entire staff here assisted me all the way through the process. They are truly customer service professionals.

THANK YOU<
- Marty H
Streamwood, IL

Detailing: Car Buffing

Car Buffing Techniques

1)      Paint preparation is vital. Proper paint preparation makes the process smoother with a better end result. Give the car a good wash and prep the surface with a clay preparation bar.  There are several kinds available. This will minimize or remove protrusions on the paint surface such as environmental contaminates like dust specks.

2)      Proper buffing techniques are a must. In short, work buffer right to left over bead of polish and/or compound. Start slightly on edge and then finish flat. Working smaller areas keep your pace uniform and in “rhythm.” With increased practice, proficiency increases. Keep the RPMs on the slow side.

3)      Let the weight of the buffer do most of the work. Don’t wear yourself out. Work with the buffer, not against it. Keep the buffer in motion to avoid burning the paint. You will get a feel for how the buffer wants to move in time.

4)      Work the car from right to left (right handed) and don’t turn the buffer upside down, the cord will get wrapped in the buffer spindle if you do.

5)      Watch for pad grabbers like antennas, windshield wipers and emblems. The cautious approach is the best approach, mask or remove where possible. Have you ever seen a windshield wiper fly?

6)      Avoid or mask rubberized body side moldings, you can burn or stain them.

Avoid edges by masking or working parallel with the buffer wheel. Work close but not over unless you have a good touch. If you are a beginner, don’t lock the variable trigger, this will allow you to slow down at any time.


Remember to check out our website for more automotive body shop supplies and paint.  66 Auto Color for Wizards Detailing Products

Detailing: Minimizing Swirl Marks

Minimizing Swirl Marks

1)      Minimize swirl by maintaining clean buffing pads. Use a cleaning spur on wool pads frequently, wash and air dry occasionally.

2)      Soak foam pads in warm water and ring dry. Never put in dryer.

3)      Cross contamination is another leading cause of swirl. Keep compound pads separate from polishing and finishing pads.

4)      Match the right buffing pad to the right polishing material. We know not all paint surfaces are the same, save time by spot buffing a small area then check results. We have many pad compositions, start with the least aggressive and work up as needed. Utilize this same principle when selecting the compound or polish.

5)      Lower RPM’s means less friction, less friction means less heat buildup. Try to stay between 1750-2400 RPM when compounding and between 1200-1750 RPM when finishing.

6)      After using compound wash the treated area with soap and water to eliminate excess compound grit.  When finishing with a polish or glaze, don’t buff dry. Leave a little material on the car, without it you create friction. A final hand or orbital wax will clean up any polish residue. A quality product such as Wizards Polishing Products will minimize swirl marks.

Remember to check out our website for more automotive body shop supplies and paint.  66 Auto Color

National Street Rod Association

National Street Rod Association is May 27-29, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. 66 Auto Color will be entering their '34 Chevy 5 Window Master Coupe.  We  hope to see you there.  National Street Rod Association holds events all over the country. View their website under the tab "Events" to find one close to you.  Get entered - Get involved - Have some Fun!

Remember to check out our website for all your automotive paint, body shop supplies, and detailing supplies:
66 Auto Color

Vintage Rods - 38th Rod Run

Upcoming Events

Nothing says summer like hot days and hot rods.  Vintage Rods-38^th Rod Run is one car show you may want to participate in. The Rod Run takes place on May 21 in Carthage, Missouri, averaging 100 entrants.   It includes drawings for goodie bags (66 Auto Color is giving away two goodie bags with some great Wizards Products), 50/50 pot, grand prize, games, 25 trophies and more great fun. $10 pre-registration or $15 day of Run. Contact Crystal Jones at 417-850-0622 for more information.

**For all your automotive paint and body shop supplies visit our store at: 66 Auto Color

COMPLIANCE OUT OF THE BOOTH

COMPLIANCE OUT OF THE BOOTH

If the EPA drops by your shop will they find you in compliance or will you be looking at a fine?  The EPA only allows you to use a 3 oz. cup or smaller on your paint gun anytime you are spraying a catalyzed product outside of the booth.  However, you may use aerosols of any size.  SprayMax a USC product offers a catalyzed 2K primer that has proven to be an excellent product.  It comes in a beige epoxy primer or a grey Rapid quick-drying primer.  Once catalyzed the epoxy cans are usable for 4 days and the Rapid primer for 24 hours.  No more wasting product you don’t use and, since there is no clean up, it saves time and money.

$18.99 to $19.29

For all your automotive paint and body shop supplies visit our store at: 66 Auto Color

Automotive Paint Tech Tip: Water Spotting

Water Spotting (water marking): Circles with raised edges or whitish spots resembling the various shapes of water droplets appear on the surface of the paint film.

Cause:     A)  Allowing the water to come into contact with a new finish that is not thoroughly dried/cured.

B)    Washing finish in direct sunlight.

Repair:      1)  Wipe with a damp cloth, then polish.

2)      Or, compound and polish.

3)      Or, sand smooth with 1500-1200 grit sandpaper, compound and polish to restore gloss.

4)      Or, sand and refinish.

Prevention:   A)  Do not allow water to come into contact with newly painted finish.

B)    If a new finish does get wet, dry immediately with a soft cloth.

C)    Was new finishes in the shade and wipe dry.

For all your automotive body shop paint and supplies check out our Internet store:  66 Auto Color

Shout Out!

Shout Out!

Two of our customers had great write ups in recent magazine articles.  Casey Customs owned by Carl Casey of Aurora, Missouri and Shoot 2 Thrill owned by Jesse Morrow of Joplin, Missouri.

The Casey Customs article appeared in KKOA Trendsetter magazine focusing on an HHR custom paint project.  As the article says, “This man lives and breathes kustoms and, with over 20 years experience, he knows how to do it right.” Be sure to check out the complete article by contacting kkemps09@centurytel.net. It is Volume 28 No.6

The article on Shoot 2 Thrill’s Jesse Morrow appeared in the Winter 2011 addition of Chromed Out (http://www.chromedoutmag.com/). Jesse is an airbrush artist with an ability to put the customer’s personality into the airbrush project. As the article states, “Jesse’s goal is to have every bike he lays his airbrush on to reak of sik talent and unimaginable images!” After seeing several of his projects, I can say, he is definitely obtaining his goal.

Way to go Carl and Jesse!

House of Kolor Clinic

House of Kolor Clinic featuring Jon Kosmoski

This is a must attend clinic.  HOK is revamping their entire line.  If you use House of Kolor you will need to have this information.  House of Kolor's founder and master custom painter Jon Kosmoski shares his 50+ years of experience with you.  Preparation work, application techniques, and hands-on demonstrations of the complete line of quality kustom paints offered by House of Kolor.  Sign up today and learn from the best in the business! 

When:   Tuesday, May 17th
Where:  Tulsa Technology Center Lemley Campus
             3420 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK
Time:     6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (dinner at 6:00 p.m. with pre-registration)
Cost:     $20 per person includes dinner if pre-registered by May 10
Please R.S.V.P by email info@66autocolor.com  or call the store 417-206-7473

Remember to check out our internet store at: 66 Auto Color

Iwata AirGunsa Base Coat Clear Coat Spray gun

●NEW ITEMS●

The new Iwata AirGunsa spray guns have been redesigned for performance. These low cost affordable guns include ergonomic lighter body with a softer trigger pull to reduce fatigue. The new polished surface allows for easier cleanup. These guns will also keep you in compliance with the new EPA regulations.

$119.00  1.3 needle for base coat-clear use

Remember to check out our website for more body shop supplies: 

66 Auto Color

My Clear Coat Is Not Drying. Why?

Problem:   Clear Coat Not Drying.

Cause:           

We have had this question come up a couple of times lately. With the warmer days and cool nights, many people are turning the heat off in their shop overnight, thinking the shop will stay warm enough for the clear to continue drying.  This is fine if the temperature stays warm enough for the clear coat to activate with the hardener.  The activator will stop working at a certain temperature.  Check your technical data sheet or label that came with the product for temperature requirements.  Most clear coats and activators need to have the temperature remain at 65° or above to activate and dry completely.  Keep in mind, too, the metal has to also be at this temperature not just the air, so give the car plenty of time to warm up in the shop before you start spraying.

Did this help?  Give us your comments.

Remember to check out our webstore: 66 Auto Color

Automotive Paint Problem: Transparency (Poor Hiding, Poor Coverage)

Hope you never run into this problem.  If it happens here is why and how to fix it.

Problem:  Transparency (Poor Hiding, Poor Coverage, Translucent)

Cause:        A) Color not thoroughly stirred/agitated

                  B) Color has been over thinned/reduced

                  C) Substrate is not uniform in color

                  D) Wrong color undercoat used.

                  E) Insufficient number of color coats applied

Repair:       1) Apply additional coats of color until hiding is achieved.

                  2) Or, sand and apply similar colored undercoat/ground coat and refinish.

Prevention: A) Stir or shake paint thoroughly, making sure all pigment is in solution.

                   B) Thin/reduce according to product label direction

                  C) Use a sealer or ground coat to provide a uniform color before top coating.

                  D) Use an undercoat that is similar in color to the top coat.

            E) Spray until hiding is achieved

Did this post help? What other tech tips would you like to see? We want to hear your comments.

Remember to check out our webstore at:  66 Auto Color

Auto Body Sanding: What Sand Paper to Use and When

Okay, so you are starting on a project and you ask: with all the sand paper grits, which one do I use for my application?  Here is a quick quide to help answer a few question.

Sandpaper Selection Chart:

Grit                                         Usage Description

File with holder                          Shaping body filler/bondo.

40 grit                                      Very rough sanding/grinding before body work.

80 grit                                      Rough sanding before body work and for sanding body filler.

180 grit                                    Final sanding and feather edging body filler.

320 grit                                    Optional final sanding before using primer and also for sanding spot putty.

400 grit                                    Rough sanding primer or for fine sanding spot putty.

600 grit                                    Final sanding primer, sand with 600 before using base coat colors.

1000 grit                                  Wet sanding a panel to be repainted.

1200 grit                                  Wet sanding a panel to be repainted.

1500 grit                                  Final sanding clear coat to remove defects before polishing with rubbing compound.  Can be used for sanding down a panel to be repainted instead of 1000 or 1200.

Buy Sandpaper by the kit or the roll at 66 Auto Color

Did this help?  What auto body tech tips would you like to see added to our posts? Please give us your comments.

Remember to check out our webstore for all you auto body supplies:  http://www.66autocolor.com/

Orange Peel Car Paint Problems and How To Fix It.

Automotive Paint Tech Tips

66 Auto Color

Your

Mother Road

to Savings

Problem: Orange Peel (Poor Flow, Texture) Paint film having an uneven texture that resembles the skin of an orange.

Cause:              

A)  Under reduction and/or air pressure

            B)  Thinner/reducer evaporates too fast for spray conditions

            C)  Excessive film thickness or piling on of heavy wet coats

            D)  Improper spray gun set-up

            E)  Improper painting technique

Repair: 

            1)  Compound or polish to reduce surface texture.

2)  Or, sand smooth with 1200 or finer grit sandpaper, compound and polish to restore gloss.

            3)  Or, sand smooth and refinish.

Prevention: 

            A)  Use proper reduction ratio and spray at recommended air pressure.

B)  Select recommended thinner/reducer based on temperature, humidity, air movement, and size of repair.

            C)  Avoid heavy coats and excessive film thickness.

D)  Use recommended spray gun, fluid tip and air cap for the material being sprayed. Always adjust the gun for best atomization and balanced spray pattern before paint application.

E)  During paint application, hold the gun perpendicular and parallel to the surface. Adjust speed of pass, pattern overlap, and distance from the panel to achieve the desired appearance.

Was this helpful to you? Please let us know. What paint tech tips would you like to see?

Remember to check out our website for all your automotive paint needs:  66 Auto Color