Paint flattener and hardener Q's...

I have a quick question in regards to using a FLATTENER in paint to get a SATIN type finsh.....Does a FLATTENER make the paint softer?


What I 'm looking to do is paint my neighbors T-BUCKET a SATIN BURGUNDY...But some of the SATIN BLACKS I've seen are pretty soft. If you just run the back (smooth) side of your fingernail across the paint it leaves a mark! So I'm kinda concerned on a dark color like BURGUNDY doing the same.

He is looking for a "CHEAP" paint job..but wants some durability as well.

He initially wanted to paint it with RUSTOLEUM...but we talked him out of that one!!!

I wish to use a SINGLE STAGE automotive paint with a flattening agent added...but should I also add a HARDENER as well...or does that bring the gloss level up a notch on the charts?

I will ask the paint store when I go in later this week...but just wanted to "LEARN" a little prior to going there!

Thanks

 

All most all of todays paints require a hardner. If it is urathane single stage. If you do not use a hardner it will stay semi soft forever. The hardner does add a little gloss to the paint but you jus have to add a little more flattening agent to it . Spay a test panel and let it dry. add or subtract the flattener till you get the results you like.

 

Why mess with adding flattener when you can buy HotRod Flatz in just about any color and it is a urethane single stage with a hardener and is probably the cheapest on the market. it sprays good and lays out nice and flat and has a great sheen. the 1939 Mercury below was shot with Hotrod Flatz Copper Pearl over a white sealer.

 

that Merc looks good I was thinkin bout adding a flattening agent like Bandit. who makes hotrod flatz and how does it hold up? thanks

 

for sure hot rod flatz is a good product. i work here in san diego and have painted a few cars with the paint. it is a 4 to 1 mixture. it is very easy to spray, and covers excellent and even fills 150 scratches!!!! ( 150 grit sandpaper for you rookies). BUT!! i have had more than a hand full of people tell me they have had problems with this material becuase it was TOO flat or it tiger striped. i have even talked to a big name top builder that wasnt content with the results and didnt even use the product.. there is a way to change the formula. i dont want to have any conflict with the paint supplier so please pm me if you have any questions...

 

mcisneros is right about how easy it is to spray. The reason I chose a white sealer is that the Copper pearl is very transparent and shoots like kandy.I have always shot a test panel on every car I shoot just so I know what to expect and in this case I chose white sealer and then it covered very well and has stood up to midwestern weather great. Wow I couldnt even begin to think about shooting a topcoat over 150 scratches.

 

its funny there always a complaint that the paint tiger striped on me. like its the paints fault. user error always. whats there to change on this omni uhh i mean tri city brand paint?

 

nice job! thats a nitemare waiting to spray, but well executed!

 

You can put flattener in clear too. I have shot base then flattener in clear over it for an interior color. Lippy