Thread: semi- flat??

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Im seeing more and more of what appears to be a semi-flat paint on retro-rods instead of the classic black primer. How is this done?? Corn flower?? I like this look and would like to incorporate it into my 37 Nash.

Or you can buy flattening agent (most paint manufacturers have this additive in their line for the appropriate base paint) to add to a normally glossy paint.

Also, the paint manufacturers actually make a flat, or semi-flat, black. For example, John Deere and Caterpillar have flat and semi flat blacks in their specs, so any paint manufacturer who has a paint code for those can supply it.

Both these alternatives will be more durable than non cleared base coat which is formulated to be buried (or protected if you will) by clear coat. Most quality top coats contain a UV light inhibitor to reduce the chance of sun fade. Base coat alone doesn't contain that protection.

Some guys will use a Acrylic Uerthane Base coat & just not clear it (Not recommended), or spray a flattened Clear over it .
But most are using a tintable sealer to get the color they want.
Todays paint is getting so high priced that if you use a tinted sealer it doesnt take as much TOP color to get coverage.

I highly dont Recommend using just a sealer, UNLESS you use a Clear with flattening agent over it as sealer has NO UV protection ,
plus sealers will in time break down & let moisture through to the steel ! Then if you ever decide to put SHINY paint over it , you just might start seeing little bubbles in the paint , that is caused
by rust popping the paint off from the buttom.

SprayTech

What about John Deere "Blitz Black"? I have heard it is UV stable and is a single stage paint. Anyone used it? I am seriously considering it but would like to know if anyone has done it.

My painter said he'd mix a flattening agent to the paint with a clearcoat but at the last minute asked me how much flat should he add. His first attempt was very cloudy/hazy especially along the sides. He is going to redo it. But, Besides the haze the flat wasn't flat enough. How much flattening agent does he need to add to get it to look like primer. 1 to 1 ratio? 50%? Please help me.

You really REALLY need to check with the paint/flattener manufacture (especially for compatability). I've used flattener off and on over the years and mixing varys greatly between manufactures.

If still in doubt, buy extra materials and spray small samples and let them set up until you get the finish you want.

Okay, I'll admit it, I'm having the local Maaco guy paint my car.
I have no $ (students) and I figured since I want the suede look-flat-primered look then they should be able to pull it off.
The first time it came out hazy and cloudy down the sides. They said they would redo it in 2 weeks. Is it possible the haze is from the clearcoat and the flattening agent not working together. And to get the seude look do I even need the clearcoat? Just mix the flattening agent 1 to 1 with the ultra urethane? This makes me
anxious not nowing how all this works. What do you guys think?