Uk Paint

The wife is asking for a new paint job on her.....89 XJS JAGUAR...if it did not have a V12 I would roll over and laugh( then go to the dog house). Anyway here is my question. I have been told not by painters but buy die hard Jag owners that the paint used by the Brit's is a harder paint. It does not flex like The US paints. There fore it needs a speacial primer or sealer to bond the two together and prevent cracking over time. If so what system would be good. I am not looking for a show paint job here since I will be hanging plastic sheets in my garage to make a poor mans paint booth , however I do not want to have to do it a second time . So the middle of the road please.
My second question that I have obtained an old paint gun from my Dad. It is one of the all chrome ones ( bottom feed). It looks like it was not cleaned very well the last time it was used. Is there a easy way to clean it or should I toss it and get a gravity feed type

A good start would be a good gun. The paint used is probably lacquer. Sand it good with 400 wet spray on good quality sealer and paint with urethane paint. Use one of the second line paints(Omni, Nasons, Lessonal) there is not a lot of sense in wasting money on top shelf paints. Solid colors use single stage and base coat with clear for metalics. Good luck and enjoy.

Dozzer,

Check the old paint for cracking or peeling. If you can see cracks, you can't paint over them! The new paint will eventually crack in the same place.

The cheaper paints don't hold their color, or gloss as long, so use a light color, or she may have you repainting in 5-10 years.

Check this site for old paint threads. They will give you the benefit of many people's experience.

Ask a local body shop if the spray gun you have is a good brand. IF it is, you might be able to have a nice gun for the cost of a gallon of "gun cleaner".

She wants it RED.. but not the Jag red (THAT IT IS NOW) . It has an orange tint to it in the sun ...so she has picked out Pourche red. I do see some cracks and a couple dings. I have started sanding to repair these, they will be taken down to the metal. So can I use and epoxy primer , then a sealer after all body work is done. I don't want it to fade in two years so I know that red may cost $ 400 or more.

The paints I discribed on my response are very good quality coatings. Many in this forum are closed to the thought that a brand other than PPG could possibly yeild a good or even a great paint job. I drive an Astro van painted with Omni in 1999 and it still looks great. The only reason I suggest these paints are that they are more forgiving in less than disireable conditions. Believe me I have painted in some real hell holes and achieved unbelievable results. From the sound of your thread I get the feeling that you are not a full time painter. So, if you want a coating that is of good quality and is USER FRIENDLY try one of the ones I suggested. By the way Mars Red is a very good choice.