HOK workshop in IA

[Too Many Projects]

I managed to get into this workshop this weekend to learn about gun set up, prep, painting and buffing in the hope I can be confidant enough to start doing my own painting. Should be a good time.

[Lynn]

That would be fun.

[dykstra]

How was this class?

[Too Many Projects]

Not what I expected, or needed. It was advertised for all levels of painters, of which I would barely qualify as a painter. There was too much talking and not nearly enough actual instruction on how to set up the guns or make adjustments for issues with application. There were many struggling with that and no hands on help. There were too many "students" for the space too. 1 paint booth with 21 people and projects crammed in.
For a person with a painting background and experience, the knowledge of HOK products and their nearly limitless combinations for custom mixes was great. I believe I found the colors I will pursue for my '38 coupe and, maybe, the Camaro. So it had value, just not as much help getting comfortable with HOW to paint, as I was hoping for.

[A12pilot]

As being a self taught painter, just pick that Gun up and do it! Much like welding, any fabrication, and anything else that requires hands on, you need to develop your technique and refine it. The only way to do that is practice!

You can do it, and what’s the worse thing that can happen? Screw it up, sand it down and start over. How many times have I done that? Oh....too many to admit without embarrassment!

One piece of advice is to adhere to the p-sheet info. Don’t become a chemist and try “what your Buddy” tells you to do. Unless he works for the brand of paint you’re using and has the paycheck stub to prove it, he ain’t a chemist so stick with what is known and tested.

I LOVE painting!! Bodywork, not so much. But laying down the funk is so rewarding! Your good painting weather is close at hand up there so get to it!!

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

....and I’ll add to that what isn’t described with “how” to paint. Make sure you are in shape, stretch before you pick that gun up. Also, make sure you have good movement in your paint suit. I run a tape “belt” around my waist to tuck the suit in so it’s close to my body. I also use long gloves and tape the ends to the suit to prevent sweat dripping along with wrapping the final filter on the end of the gun with a paper towel to absorb moisture before it ends up on the hood.

What I mean by being “in shape and stretching” is envision yourself painting the car on a dry run. Focus on keeping the gun angle perpendicular to the surface accounting for all bends. Then as you walk the side of the body, assuming it’s not on a rotisserie), bend your legs and support yourself as you walk to car again and again going lower and lower so eventually you’re looking like a crab crawling across the floor all the while making sure that gun is even distance and perpendicular to the surface in all curves. Talk about a leg and arm workout! That gun is heavy with paint and you’re holding it at a constant angle all the time. Think beer drinking contest like holding a stein out in front of you trying to outlast Beefcake Barry. It takes effort, but doesn’t taste as good!

Not sure if that makes any sense but it’s what I’ve learned doing the paint work I’ve done.....and I’m a nobody amateur fluky!!! So if I can do it, you can too!!

Cheers
Dave

[Too Many Projects]

Yep, I've read most of that numerous times and I learn by doing much better than classroom instruction. You're right on that I just need to do it, it's the sanding off a dozen times before I get it right that usually ends in frustration and an abandoned project. But then, I've paid out way too many thousands to have other people do the same low quality work and not be happy, so, yes, I am going to get much deeper into this soon.
And the bodywork is painful for me. I want it "right", which usually translates into "near perfect" and have no idea how to get there either.
Thanks for the vote of confidence that I can do this, but I'm certain most people on this forum are going to laugh at your self description of a "nobody, amateur fluky. I'd haul my car the 1,200 miles for you to paint it in a heartbeat.

[A12pilot]

Well, that’s flattering and I appreciate the compliment, but you got the skills man!! Plus, you have two cars to paint and all the money you’ll save painting them yourself you’ll be able to buy another car, do an unveiling at MCACN, win Best Paint, then roll around naked in awards for hours! That is, until you realize the trophies given at the show are all sharply pointed, so the novelty will wear off pretty quickly.

At times like this I’m reminded of an old quote that gave me inspiration to tackle new obstacles when I lacked the confidence to do so: “Wake me up before you Go-go, Cause I’m not plannin’ on goin’ solo.” Wait, that’s not the right quote. Gimmie a little while to think about that.

In the meantime, go start sanding!!,

Cheers
Dave

[dykstra]

My expectation exceeds my skill set.

[Too Many Projects]

Originally Posted by dykstra

My expectation exceeds my skill set.

Now THERE is a quote I can relate too...