I think the key to keeping enamel paints from fading (and more durable), is
to bake the parts after painting (with adherence to the manufacturer's spec
sheets). I've done several restorations and baking the parts at 140F (on
up) for an hour or two helps tremendously (I called Gillespie to talk to
their technical folks on this subject and they were not very helpful or
knowledgeable). Then again, I realize that most folks do not have access to
a paint booth for this purpose. Given the original coatings that I've seen
(high durability and general resistance to fading), I'd be willing to bet
they were all baked. Just a thought for the next project.
Also, even though your supplier may not mention it, it also helps to add
enamel hardener during application. This is only a minor plus for UV
resistance, but a big plus for durability and future spot repairs (to
prevent wrinkling).
Allen in Seattle
'55 M38A1
----- Original Message -----
From: "Emmett Thompson" <kt4al@worldnet.att.net>
To: "Military Vehicles Mailing List" <mil-veh@mil-veh.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2001 7:16 AM
Subject: Re: [MV] paint question
> I have a M-109A3 and I painted it with the Gillespie paint. It is painted
> in "marine forest green" it looked good for about 4.5 years but after 5
> years it is fading fast. The duce is too big to get into anything I own so
> it sits at the back of the orange grove in the Florida sun. I would guess
if
> you wanted a GOOD paint that lasts a long time I would but a quality
enamel
> from your local auto body supplier. I plan on doing just that the next
time
> she gets a good coat or two. I should also note that that much GOOD paint
> will be very expensive compared to the Gillespie coatings.
>
> I just shot a quality epoxy based primer on my M416 that cost about $60.00
> for 2 quarts and will shoot Gillespie over that but it will remain under
the
> barn and out of the sun.
>
> Regards
> Emmett
>
>
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This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Wed Apr 04 2001 - 08:10:47 PDT