Coach Painting
Coach Painting – The traditional way
For quality coach painting, the goal is to apply an even coat of paint. Start by using quick, horizontal brush strokes over a small section, about 30 inches square. Once the brush runs out of paint, refill it immediately and continue, blending into the area you’ve just covered. As soon as a section is covered lay the paint off top to bottom by gently stroking it to smooth it out and remove blemishes. This is done at approximately 90 degrees to the first coat. Laying off downwards/vertically will allow brush marks to flow out and not build up and run. Do this from start to finish very quickly and then keep on going in the same fashion until the area to be painted is complete. Always brushing back into the section you’ve just covered. Another tip worthy of knowing is always working “away” from wet paint and not working “across” it.
Thinning Coach Enamel
Coach Enamels are not generally intended to be thinned unless you are spraying. If you find the paint is too thick or is difficult to work then add a small amount of the appropriate Coach Enamel thinner, drying delay additive or Owatrol. This lubricates the paint molecules making them flow easier. Thinning is required if painting in hot weather as the paint will dry too quickly. Start by adding 2-3% and work upwards to a maximum of 10%. Remember you can always add a little more but you can’t take any out!
Hints and Tips
- If you find a run or sag when the paint is initially dry/drying don’t rub it down. It is likely to still be wet underneath. Instead slice the top off it with a sharp blade and leave it to dry again. The next day you will be able to rub it down successfully. Then, re-coat either the immediate area or if required the whole panel.
- Always use the biggest brush you can handle for the job. A 2 or 3 inch if a very large panel is more than sufficient for most panel work.
- If you are using masking tape make sure you remove it as soon as you finish the panels associated with it.
Find our YouTube videos here – https://www.youtube.com/@paintmanpaint
