Replies

1. 
   Clay | Mar 09, 2004 12:22am | #1

   It is possible but this is the kind of thing that requires exceptional skill and experience.  It is not easy even for a pro.  Paint selection is critical, and it will be very time consuming too.

2. 
   OneofmanyBobs | Mar 09, 2004 01:10am | #2

   Spray cans.  Yes, its cheating, but really the best quickest way to a high gloss painted finish without equipment.  Prepare the surface, spray a few body coats and rub out, then a light finish coat.  I'd use lacquer rather than "paint".

1. 
   JBD | Mar 09, 2004 01:34am | #3

   Hi Bob,

   Good idea on spray cans, but I wouldn't counsel anyone to try to wet-sand and buff a finish thats been applied with a spray can due to the fact that even the best spray lacquers in a can are very low solids, very high solvent coatings, made to be sprayed easily, but won't create a film build thick enough to wet sand and buff.   You can paint with a brush, then overcoat with clear to create the gloss, but you'll still have to wet sand flat the "paint" first.  BTW, regular "Paint" won't wet sand well if you are referring to latex or other big box paint, but if you could find lacquer, that would be best, but you really can't brush it, unless your good and fast.

   There is no easy way to achieve the gloss look like automotive without expensive lacquers and good spray equipment.  Maybe a pigmented epoxy floor coating might work.  It may be hard enough to buff after thorough cure.  If it don't buff, then spray gloss out of a can over it. 

   "The furniture designer is an architect." - Maurice DuFrenes (French Art Deco furniture designer, contemporary of Ruhlmann)

   http://www.pbase.com/dr_dichro   http://www.johnblazydesigns.com

1. 
   OneofmanyBobs | Mar 09, 2004 06:49am | #5

   You do need a lot of coats from a spray can to get a base thick enough to level.  Maybe 6 or 8 would do it.  I don't know that I'd try it with a brushed base layer.  Unless you're really good with a brush, you sand off 95% to get it level enough.  I find it more productive to spray a couple thin coats from a can.  Not much there, but more uniform than the brush and easier to level.  Spray 4 coats (with adequate drying between coats) , wet sand to maybe 800 or 1000.  If you cut through, spray another 2.  Repeat until the surface is level and evenly matte.  Then you can spray a final coat of color or clearcoat.  Hope that it doesn't orange peel.  I've done that with small things where I didn't want to clean up a spray gun.

   I never tried it, but there might be a slight chance you could rub out a couple brushed or rolled coats of latex enamel.  Probably really soft, but maybe.  Epoxy spray appliance enamel does work.  I've tried that.  Not great since it isn't a 2-part epoxy, but it does build a lot faster.

   Yes, way easier to spray a high solids lacquer or catalyzed finish, but you need the equipment and the materials and the skill.  Also not very friendly stuff.

3. 
   dondownunder | Mar 09, 2004 03:22am | #4

   On the odd occassion that a high gloss (90 - 100%) paint job is required we farm it out to a local panel shop who charge by the square metre. These guys do a great job & like to start at the raw timber state. Gloss levels below 60% are done in house.