Re: Metal flake paints
OK, Ive got a little time to answer your question, (I think)!!<br /><br />First off, there is no such thing as "Metal Flake paint"!!<br /><br />The way it is done at the manufacturer is, First there is a mold release sprayed into the mold, then there is a coat or two of clear gel coat sprayed in, then what ever color of flake is mixed with more clear gel coat and it is sprayed in, then a like color gelcoat is sprayed as a backing, then the fiberglass is applied either by hand or sprayed or both!<br /><br />Now to do this on your boat you have to do it in reverse!<br /><br />The flake will come in a bag or some container in a dry form like the sparkles you buy for your kids for crafts! You will have to talk to the people at the automotive paint store to know how much you will need and how much to mix with what ever clear coat you decide to use!<br /><br />You will have to sand the surface you are applying the finish to, then apply a base color that is similar to the flake color, (a flat basecoat is fine) then I would use an entry level urethane clear like NASON for the flake application, you will need a spray gun that will pass the flake that has a large needle and cap, after you get the flake on you will have to coat it with at least two more coats of clear, after that dries you will have to wet sand the entire thing down again being carefull not to break through to the flake as it will sand the color off the flake and cause a silver spot! Then I would spray two coats of Imron Urethane clear over that as this is the MOST durable clear Urethane there is, you are done unless you want to polish it!<br /><br />As you can see, it is VERY labor intensive and I would think maybe close to $500.00 in materials!<br /><br />Also you need some spraying background to do a profesional job or you can waist a lot of expensive materials!<br /><br />Still want to tackle it???
