just installed a new recessed firewall ... any ideas on a coating? I say coating cuz it's not a showcar and I don't want a shiny/painted firewall... i'd prefer to give it a light coat of body filler to hide my welding imperfections... then a rough texture coating... I was thinking something like Duplicolor bed armor.... just not sure if it would stand the heat of a BBC with fenderwell headers... any thoughs?
I have used a single stage urethane, simi gloss (satin). First coat is a wet coat, second coat is a low pressure coat, third coat is a lower pressure coat creating a texture. Looks great and is easy to clean, unlike that bed liner ****.
Thanks Bishop still looking for other firewall paint suggestions... knowing me, I'll probably end up with rattle can...
I did a lot of welding on my coupe firewall and used trunk spatter paint followed buy a coat of clear. I am very happy with the results.
If you buy a quality bed liner you can add the amount of texture you want. I'd stay away from the duplicolor stuff or others sold at auto chain stores. http://www.tcpglobal.com/detailsupplydepot/dsd18.aspx I bought some Gator Guard but havent had a chance to shoot it. Ive used Rattleguard in the past but cant find the product anymore. Consider smoothing it and using a ch***is black, Ive seen cream look good on other cars depending on your paint choice.
Personally I used home made lizard skin so its textured, durable, and possibly even has some insulating and sound deadening properties. It's just cheapie housepaint from home depot with gl*** microspheres from aircraft spruce for around $12
I used a single stage white after filling in my welding and other imperfections. My car won't be a show car either but it just looks good. I did coat the top and bottom of my floor pans with Cool Car Ceramic, think Lizard Skin, and noticed the texture of it seems to trap dust and dirt etc... Doesn't look bad under a car but visible underhood maybe a different story.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/ They sell stuff to build/repair airplanes. A lot of their stuff can be used for other applications.
I have used that ruberized undercoating, then stain black paint, I think it looks good and is easy to do.
They have a lot of great stuff you can use building cars...rod ends, structural steel and aluminum, fiberglas and cf supplies, electrical items...you name it. Prices are MUCH better than they would be if you bought them from a speed shop. They have a location not too far from me in Peachtree City, GA.
I understand you don't want a glossy finish, by why blast a brand new firewall with a heavy texture coating? If you want something satin with a little texture why don't you prime it, get some spray can chipguard from a body supply shop then some spray can semigloss. The chipguard will give you a "orange peel" texture. What ever way you decide, prime the bare metal first.
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