what paint?

[earlee]

Can one of the experienced van painters tell me what type of paint is best for the outside of a bondwood van? Should I think of it the same as a timber house?

Is it best to use water-based-acrylic or turps-based-enamel or even thinners-based car-paint?

Spray, brush or roll?

I assume full gloss, even though it will show the imperfections.

thanks
earlee

[Roehm3108]

Hi Earlee
Have a look at Cuz's comments about how he painted his van back in Feb. It's in the members photo section page 2.
Seems like there are many ways/types of paint being used around the restorers.
I tried the thinners based car paint on the Propert, mainly because the outer shell was metal. Used 6 litres of paint, and it still could do with another coat, to get an even sheen (and to cover the scratches I got when taking it into scrub in Victoria). So I'll have to do it again fairly soon, as my mate wants to use it as a promo display at the Brisbane Caravan Show in September.
In hindsight, I would have used gloss enamel, and will probably go that way with the Chesney. I used an airless spraygun on the propert, but will probably use a roller with the next one, as I made quite a mess with the overspray in my shed. Of course the Chesney wouldn't fit in the shed, so, like many others it would be painted outside, and up here we don't have windless days. When we do, it's too hot to paint anyway.
Cheers
Ray

[Deleted]

G'Day Earlee

Go the oil based enamel. water based is too dull and shows up every hand mark ever layed on the surface.

Please yourself if you spray it or use a SHORT NAPPED roller. ( dont use a long napped roller unless you want the finish to look like wool) i bought a roller and tray kit for about $6 from Brunnings. Clean up can get messy so buy 6 litre bottle of mineral turps and a packet of three spare rollers if ya gunna put a few different colours on the van. saves a lot of cleaning up .
i got away with one coat over a good undercoat. have a look in the photos sect . i sprayed a blue colour on the van and didnt like it so I used it as an undercoat, scuffed it up and rolled the cream ( artic Daisy) and the grey ( Tilt) top coat.

The finish can be washed the same as a car and smudges just wipe off.

There ya go.... i sound like a bloody paintshop handyman don't I.

Reddon'tputyafootinthetray.

[belinda]

We wimped out and paid a bemused housepainter to do the van ("hmm, job on wheels. Never had one of those before").

He used oil-based enamel and did the job in two days, including the preparation and applying an "Emerclad" waterproof membrane to the roof. A year later it still looks great.

It was worth the money because he did the job fast and mess-free and the result was better than we could have achieved - especially with three small boys who like to "help".

[earlee]

Thanks guys'n gals for the replies. After reading your advice I have decided to got the gloss enamel route as I like a bit of shine. As redofootinpaint suggests, I won't even try to clean the rollers - at a couple of bucks each I'll just chuck 'em.
Hmmmm... now for the colour scheme ... to match the grey car .. or maybe the blue car ?

earlee

[earlee]

What a great idea ... I might just do that.. with a set of spats as well ...thanks jailbarjuice.