StWeiler 6 #1 Posted September 27, 2011 I'm prepping to paint the 10 auto and just picked up a gallon of Valspar Tractor & Implement paint. It has been many years since I've painted with my gun and would love to know a couple things to help me out. First I do NOT plan to use a hardener. My questions are as follows: 1. I know I will need to thin this paint down. What is a good ratio? 4:1 (4 parts paint to 1 part thinner?) 2. Is regular paint thinner the best thing to use or is there a better alternative to use with enamel? TIA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zieg72 209 #2 Posted September 27, 2011 The can label should indicate how it should be reduced for spray. It will also tell you what to use. Paint thinner is a generic term. You need to use what is recommended. You may find a recommendation on Valspar's website. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StWeiler 6 #3 Posted September 27, 2011 It says 8oz per gallon, but I wont be using nearly a gallon. I'll figure that out, but I have no idea what Naptha is. That is what they recommend for thinning. I've typically used plain mineral spirits but the label reads tat mineral spirits evaporate slower than naptha. I'm just not certain what the pitfall of that would be aside from a longer flash time? Insight? :banghead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,350 #4 Posted September 27, 2011 If you don't use a hardener, you can expect the paint to take several days to dry. Thinner is 1 part to 8 parts paint. Here is the data sheet for Valspar Restoration Series Paint. You should find what you need here. Valspar Data Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dodge78 94 #5 Posted September 27, 2011 Naptha is what is put in a Zippo lighter, with a few extra ingredients. I get it at Ace Hardware when I need some, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zieg72 209 #6 Posted September 27, 2011 Get some VM&P Naptha, start at a 10% reduction, it should spray nice... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,033 #7 Posted September 27, 2011 Naptha can be bought right where you got the paint, why not use hardner? it makes the paint more durable, holds a shine better, and helps cut the dry time, Valspar takes forever to dry even with hardner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coadster32 793 #8 Posted September 27, 2011 I shot a tractor w/ new toro red, right out of the can w/ a little thinner, and no hardener. Took a few days to dry. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StWeiler 6 #9 Posted September 27, 2011 Kelly- like I said I'm no expert painter by any means. Last time I used hardener I ended up having to throw the entire gun away. I guess I wasn't diligent enough in cleaning it afterwards. Since then it's sort of scared me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
