Saving Time on Body Finishing
Page 21
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WHILST the mechanical fitness of a IN vehicle is, in some ways, more important than its physical appearance, the unkempt machine reflects adversely on its owner. There are many hundreds of vehicles on the road to-day that would normally be in retirement, and it is probably for this reason that little or no attention is paid to the condition of the bodywork.
Moreover, the cost of repainting is high and most of it is represented by labour charges. The loss of use of a vehicle 'while it is being repainted is another discouragement to the maintenance of smart appearance.
By reducing the time taken on the preparatory work and using a body finish having great covering power, it is possible to cut labour costs by more than half, as it is necessary for the vehicle to be off the road for only 48 hours. These claims are made for Aerocar commercial body finish, a product supplied by Valay Industries, Ltd., 186, Campden Hill Road, London. W.8.
Aerocar is described as being a synthetic and resin composition having a far higher solid content than ordinary cellulose enamels; for this reason two coats are approximatefy the equivalent of four coats of ordinary cellulose.
By virtue of the synthetic content, which gives good adhesion, Aerocar can be supplied directly to bare metal, a light first coat being followed by a heavier second coat. The first coat
must be allowed to dry before the second coat is applied, the time allowance for this being about 20 to 30 minutes.
All paints and cellulose finishes can he covered without the need for stripping, but a thorough sanding should precede the application of the first coat. Should the existing finish be very old, the use of Aerocar sealer is recommended before spraying with body finish. Flatting between coats is optional, as is the use of finishing polishes, because the surface left after spraying has reasonable lustre.
Removing Old Paint
Should it be decided to strip down to the metal or woodwork, a good-quality paint solvent is probably the most expeditious means. The Valay brand of stripper is " 138," and it should be applied with a brush. Work should proceed in sections, and after the stripper has been applied for a few minutes, a knife or wire brush can be used to remove the paint.
It is important that all traces of the stripper and the remains of the dirt be removed, and a thorough washing in thinners, turpentine substitute or Stripwash should be given. If finger marks be left on the panel, the final finish will be impaired. so that a dry swab should be carried while working.
To prepare the body finish for use, an equal quantity by volume of thinners should be added. This is supplied by Valay Industries, Ltd., for use with the company's body finish.
Defects in spraying are sometimes caused by water in the pipe line. This will bring about precipitation of the material being sprayed, and the resultant surface will have a wet or misty appearance.
If the gun first be directed on to the hand, the presence of moisture will be detected. A satisfactory working temperature is about 60 degrees F. It is well worth remembering that a good wax polish will preserve and prolong the life of all finishes.
A member of the staff of "The Commercial Motor " has tried out the products mentioned, as well as the company's preparations for hand cleaning, the treatment of dirty upholstery, and for removing grease and dirt from materials. In all cases the results have been completely satisfactory. Particular mention should be made of the stripper, which dissolves the most tenacious layers of paint or enamel in a few.' minutes,
Other products of the company are a wax-spraying equipment, and an additive to water which removes grease while washing. The latter is non. abrasive, and does riot,.harm colour or finish.