Spray Painting. I need some help!

[Justin]

I painted the front of my cab today, black.  I'm basically painting over what seems to be black (old) laminate, from an original Centipede cab.

Anyhow, I tried my best to follow tips from this forum, and spray painted in 2 passes, shaking can constantly, etc.  
The results I got are nothing short of horrendous!  I see shiny blotches and dark blotches all over the place.  it is not at all uniform across the surface... especially noticeable when light reflects off it --  and this is a semi-gloss paint I used, so light does reflect...

What can I do now about this?  Spray paint over it oncce more?  Any tips on how to do this right?  it is not a big area really... just the bottom of the cab, where the coin door is.

Oh, I'm using Rustoleoum Black Semi Gloss.  The same I used for the coin door.  I'll post a pic in a while.

[Apollo]

Painting over laminate.

Step 1 180 grit sand paper
Step 2 Prime the surface. You have 2 problems, paint doesn't like to stick to laminate and you are using an oil based paint. You need to get the right primer or it just won't work. See a professional.
Step 3 220 grit sand paper ( lightly )
Step 4 Prime again
Step 5 220 grit sand paper ( very lightly )
Step 6 Spray paint, wait 24 hours
Step 7 Spray paint again.
Step 8 Sit back and say "Damn that's a good finish"

Well I never said it was quick

[steve_pss]

i can say the only good results i've gotten from using spray paint on here went like this:

1.make a few passes as you did already to allow the wood to soak up and prime (not really relevent over laminate i guess)

2. With the piece lying flat and level to prevent runs spray the heck out it, making sure you lay it on enough to create an even, generous (i mean generous) coating. Help to have i light source off to the side to make sure its a nice even looking heavy coat.

3. be patient with the drying process, ya just laid it on thicker then recommended it will take a bit longer to set up.

Following this process seems contrary to the nice light multiple coat process that seems logical but you will burn through MANY cans of paint going that route; at least I did before I lost my patience and stumbled (bumbled) on this method. My cab looks very good. Nice and shiny (see your selfself in the reflection) black laquer.

[Justin]

Well I must say that at least the 2 coats of spray paint are stuck there...  so whether this was laminate or not, it painted just fine.

I will try Steve's method, and spray paint the hell out of it tomorrow with a thick coat.  If that don't work, then I can always resort to shooting myself.  

[madk]

The only way I could make anything I spray painted good was to scrap the spray paint and get a good roller.  I rolled on almost all the paint on my cab and it looked amazing.  No brush strokes or anything.

[Apollo]

Well I must say that at least the 2 coats of spray paint are stuck there...  so whether this was laminate or not, it painted just fine.

I will try Steve's method, and spray paint the hell out of it tomorrow with a thick coat.  If that don't work, then I can always resort to shooting myself.  

Of course it's stuck there now. I doubt it will stick there for very long with incorrect surface prep. Do you really want to paint it again in 6 months? I thought not. And as for steve_pss' advice, I'm sorry dude but wtf?

[steve_pss]

worked great for me.

[AGarv]

Use a roller and rustoleum FLAT black enamel paint from lowe's.  If you decide you must use spray paint, the make sure it's flat black and not gloss; the reflective surface of glossy paint makes each and every imperfection really stand out.  Using a roller will really save you a lot of time though, I wasn't a believer until I tried it myself.

[spidermonkey]

If you're getting shiny spots here and there then it sounds to me like you're holding the spraycan too close to the surface.  I found that the spray paints that use that blue female spray nozzle have a MUCH wider spray pattern and produces a nice even coat unlike the regular red or black male nozzles used on Rust Oleum,Krylon and others. Go to a Pep boys or Strauss Discount Auto and check out the Plasticoat and Duplicolor brands. I'm pretty sure one of them uses the better blue female nozzle. Just start pulling the caps off and check what type nozzles different brands use. I Know that Utilac brand spray paint uses the good nozzle but that brand is sometimes hard to find. Good luck

[spidermonkey]

Just realized that Utilac brand spray paint is made by Benjamin Moore. No wonder it such nice spray paint to work with. Any Benjamin Moore paint store will have it.
I don't know if anybody here gives a poo but just thought I'd pass along the info.

S.M.

[Justin]

Thanks to everyone for your replies...

I ended up following steve_pss' advice, and must say I got very good results.   Not mirror perfect, but close enough.   Really cannot see any blotches/imperfections unless you stick a light right next to it, in the dark.

I'll post pics soon!

[Justin]

OK, here is a pic of the painted laminate.  Not too bad!  Looks perfect under 'normal' lighting conditions, and especially when upright.  Very satisfied with the results.  

[Justin]

OK, I swear I found this worm on my Centipede cabinet today, when I was removing all the newspaper...
 ROTF!  

[u_rebelscum]

OK, I swear I found this worm on my Centipede cabinet today, when I was removing all the newspaper...
 ROTF!  

Lucky it didn't get on the paint while it was still wet, for both you and the bug.

Looks good.  And the paint looks fine too.