Painting outdoors

[gungearz]

I think most of us, when we paint MV's, have to do it outdoors.

I'd like to see tips on optimal conditions and steps a painter can take to make the result the best it can be, in these limited conditions.

Ideal temps? Time of day? Sun or shade? How important is humidity?

Etc etc.

Thanks.

I like to paint outside starting in the early morning. If you start to lay down the paint around 8 am on a 65/70 degree partly cloudy day. The paint should be dry to the touch by noon and starting to cure. In that time of morning, the bugs should be finding shade and the fumes should chace the rest of them away. If your looking to build a portable shelter. Then I would recommend doing it with 2X2's and a roll of clear plastic film you can buy at menards. Alls you do is measure the vehicle your painting and add 4' to each side of your work piece to have working space. You can go all out by adding fans and such but for something your not going to do very often, you can just do the top and the two length sides to give yourself good ventilation. I would add a loose fitting sheet on the exhaust side of the shelter to minimize over spray on unwanted areas.

 

[johnh uk]

Please excuse my feeble ignorance but does anyone use a roller to paint ? over here space is always hard to find especialy under cover, a lot of the MV men have gone over to rolling on the paint

 

[gungearz]

You can brush and roll it on if you like. You just got to make sure you finish off your brush marks with a very light brush stroke. I would cut everything in with a brush as much as possible and then go back with the roller. The best would be to use is a 3/8x8" oil based roller to get into those tight areas. I've personally had bad experiences with using latex paint on outdoor equipment. So I would only recommend using oil based paint.

 

[johnh uk]

Thanks for the encouragement on this use of rollers, while I still have the old canvas I am going to stick with the single green with white decals, however in the future I would like to go onto the three colour camo look and will have to beg some spray booth time in the Hangar !

 

[gungearz]

Your welcome!!!