Mr. Ferguson,
The depth of gloss is in direct relation to the number of coats of laquer
applied to the surface. Laquers can also be used to remove the smallest
imperfections in the surface. Each sucessive coat reactivates the one before
so its desolved surface bonds to it. For the best laquer finish wet sand (
hand rub) with 600 grit paper till all gloss is removed. Do this after each of
the first 5 or 6 coats and give the paint a day or two to "cure" in between.
Be sure to use the flat of your hand when sanding so as not to cut a "hole "
in the paint and keep the surface and the paper wet and clean! After the last
coat of color is wet sanded you should have a flat nongloss surface. At this
point you could do two things. One, sand agian with 1000 or 1500 grit and buff
with a medium grit compound or two, mix your color 50/50 with clear and spray
agian. Repete the sanding/spraying process several times then cut your color
to 25% with the clear. The last coats will have only a hint of color in them
if any at all and the depth of gloss will be show car quality. When you buff
the surface after the last sanding DO NOT USE AN ORBITAL BUFFER. Use a "wheel
type" buffer and pad with medium grit compound and keep the pad clean. Then go
to a fine compound and then a swril remover like Liquid Ebony.
If al this is done correctly it will take about a month to paint a small
car if the bodywork is already done. A few things to remember....laquers may
be hard to get soon, they are very brittle, scratch easy ,and they dont hold
up to sun light well very long. On the other hand they are easy to repair and
the gloss is better and deeper than most paints. If the car is a regular
driver then I would advise the use of a urathane based paint not laquer. Its
quicker, easy,and lasts better and you wont worry about getting it dirty. Hope
this helps and good luck!
PLB3
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