Spraying conditions?

[nnickusa]

I've been waiting for a day that seems reasonable to spray Mirotone 3220. I've played with my new gun, and feel pretty confident. Today is nice and clear. Looks to go to around 18-19 degrees with 50% RH.

Would you spray? Or wait some more?

Thanks.

[simso]

Nick what spray aperture are you using for the mirotone

[nnickusa]

I'm guessing you mean the nozzle? the one on mine is 1.4-1.7mm

[kiwigeo]

I've been waiting for a day that seems reasonable to spray Mirotone 3220. I've played with my new gun, and feel pretty confident. Today is nice and clear. Looks to go to around 18-19 degrees with 50% RH.

Would you spray? Or wait some more?

Thanks.

You're not in friggin' Adelaide then

[nnickusa]

Well, I went for it, and no, not in Adelaide, but rather in the balmy breezes of Brunswick--Heads that is--bikini babes and stinky hippies!

AND, overrun by Queenslanders as they're on school hols...

Two coats on, one run, but otherwise nice even coverage, and the run isn't too big, so it ought to sand out fine.

I reckon that's more from not having sprayed anything for 20-30 years, rather than any element of weather. I could see that area go on a bit heavy, but then it was too late.....not to worry.

I'll do 2-3 more coats today and let her rest until I get another nice Sunday to sand out and recoat. Made 1/2 litre 60/40 and will just use that up today, bout 2/3 left. It's really very nice here, a light breeze, and I'm under the house, where I'm at 18.4 degrees right now, so I'm keeping on...

[simso]

Yes mate.

I use 1.4 myself as well. I use the 3150 mirotone have never used the 3220, what is she.

[Jeremy D]

Hi Nick,

What gun are you spraying with? I am almost ready to start the finish on my first build. I was looking at maybe one of these http://tradetools.com/products/S106-171G but maybe the needle diameter is too think? I have a decent compressor and water trap already.

[nnickusa]

Hey Jeremy,

Got mine off eBay. $28. Looks much like yours, but mine is green

Did a decent job. I'll be more conversant with it for the finish round, but I'm happy enough so far. If you're looking for a gun, I'd search for the threads by Allen regarding that topic, I think in the tutes. He knows a hell of a lot more than I ever will

Here's a few pix after today's first five coats:

BB with 3220 001 (Small).JPG (69.03 KiB) Viewed 16553 times

BB with 3220 003 (Small).JPG (83.13 KiB) Viewed 16553 times

BB with 3220 005 (Small).JPG (82.8 KiB) Viewed 16553 times

BB with 3220 006 (Small).JPG (84.35 KiB) Viewed 16553 times

BB with 3220 010 (Small).JPG (73.76 KiB) Viewed 16553 times

Some with and some without flash....If it looks half this good when I get done, I'm gonna be one happy camper....Now it's time for a

[Jeremy D]

Looks awesome! Hopefully I will be at that stage shortly . I cant imagine what it must feel like to string up your first, looking forward to popping my cherry

[nnickusa]

You'll love it!

This is my second. The first was an OM, that I French Polished, and to be honest, I'm stunned at how good it looks and sounds...That finish, though I wasn't too impressed, at first, has hardened up, and I'm about to have a go at polishing it up with rottenstone.....

Hope you've got a war chest, Jeremy, bet you can't stop at one

[Allen]

Nick, what the hell do you mean 1.4 - 1.7mm It's either one or the other. Can not be both, unless you are saying you have two needles, nozzles and air caps.

If you are spraying Mirotone at something close to a 100% reduction, then you will be needing a fluid tip something from 1.2mm at the smallest to 1.4mm at the largest. The mixing rations and any information that may be on the can is not directed at instrument finish, but at the cabinet making industry where getting an acceptable film build in the shortest amount of time is their main concern. I was told to use a 2.0mm tip and go for it when I contacted Mirotone. Good God. Every instrument I made would be toast in a few months if I did that.

Your spraying conditions are pretty spot on, but remember that you will always get better results even in ideal conditions if you add some extra slow thinners to the mix, or up to 10% retarder (but no more). This will drastically improve wetting and flow of the finish. As well it keeps the surface open far longer allowing the gassing off of thinners and any moisture that is trapped within the paint film. It's the moisture that causes blushing (the white look you get) and the thinners have to come out of the finish sooner or later. By keeping the surface open longer you actually help this to occur.

There is lots of technical stuff that goes along with this info, but all you need to know in order to improve your results is in what I just said.

[nnickusa]

Allen, that's what it says on the package the gun came in.

Apart from that, I have read and re-read every bit of info I could find here and many other sites on spraying gits, yours and anyone else's....The one thing I find myself doing is dithering, and doubting what to do, so I went for it. I ran water and metho thru the gun onto cardboard, as you recommended and established what seems to be the right pressure and patterns and all, then did it again with the Mirotone, and then stopped dithering and went for it, given that this has been the nicest Sunday for a while down here.....

I also gave each coat 45 minutes or so to flash off.

Now, from your tute's, I'll leave it to cure for a week or two before doing anything else. I did notice a few spots that'll need drop-filling, so I'll do that while I wait.

I'm making these for myself, so I'm willing to accept the mistakes that come with learning.

But, as I said, I'm happy so far....hopefully, I still am tomorrow

[GregL]

Hi Nick,

Looks great! Congratulations! Good on you for diving in! (Dithering is my middle name!)

Thanks,
GregL.

[Tod Gilding]

That's Looking good Nick , Not that I am any expert and just love that neck, I may have to pop up for a pizza and a play on that git when it's finished

[Allen]

The air cap should have a size stamped on it. Have a look there to see what it is.

Your finish should be pretty much the same the next day as it was about 1/2 hour from spraying, other than shrinking back a bit. So if you were happy then, all should be good.

[simso]

If you are spraying Mirotone at something close to a 100% reduction, then you will be needing a fluid tip something from 1.2mm at the smallest to 1.4mm at the largest. The mixing rations and any information that may be on the can is not directed at instrument finish, but at the cabinet making industry where getting an acceptable film build in the shortest amount of time is their main concern.

I find the best finish for me is achieved when I use a 1.0 aperture. I use 1.4 for general spraying, but if I want a super fine finish then 1.0

Be it two pack poly, acrylic, nitro, laquer etc

I looked up the 3220, never used that before, but it appears to have come up really nice

[nnickusa]

Thanks all.

Allen, I'll check tomorrow, but it seems to be OK for my skill level. I used to spray cars with my father when I was a kid, but it's been a loooooong time....