1992 Panda is it painted in Cellolose or Two Pack

[Frank Pindock]

I think I'm going to have a go at painting my 1992 classic Panda drivers door. The paint code is 4121A which is I believe is a pearlescent or metallic in dark blue. Is my car painted with Cellulose or is it 2 Pack? Any advice would be welcome.

 

[panda1408]

It will be basecoat and two pack laquer. How are you painting the door? With aerosols or a gun and compressor?

 

[Frank Pindock]

I'm going to paint it with a gun, I am replacing the door completely and I am concerned as I have never painted with 2k. I intended to paint the door and then fit it to the car, if it doesn't match well I am considering giving the side of the car a blow over. In fact the whole car could do with some paint!

 

[Liquid Knight]

With a pearl or metallic make sure the angle you pant the panel is the same as the angle the panel will hang from permanently otherwise the paint will settle incorrectly and will look like a different colour to the rest of the car when you're finished.

 

[panda1408]

With the age of the car and it being a metallic you will struggle to get a perfect match. It may be best to paint the inside of the door, fit it and then paint the outside and blend in the quarter panel and front wing.

Make sure you have the right mask when using 2K, it can be nasty stuff. An air fed one is the best option.

 

[Frank Pindock]

Panda 1408 and Liquid Knight, many thanks for your advice, I have taken it all on board. My paint supplier has recommended I use easy lacquer, do you have any thoughts about this product?

 

[Liquid Knight]

Pre-mix straight to the gun stuff is superb. I can't remember the name but it comes in a blue and grey bottle. The same rules apply as when painting. Make sure the angles are correct and there's not dust or moisture in the air or surface.

Depending on the quality of finish you're after you need to spend 80% of the time preparing the panel for paint. Etch primer, filler, blocking, sanding, hi-coat primer, sanding, more filling and sanding if necessary, more primer.

At this point leave it overnight.

A few coats of base color.

Again; you can apply lacquer half an hour after the colour is put down but I'd leave it a good few hours at least to ensure all the solvent has evaporated and pigment dust is out of the atmosphere.

Dust over with a dry clean cloth gently and finally apply the lacquer. It will go on a bit quicker than the colour but don't panic and whatever you do, take your time. Too much lacquer can ruin the base coat.

Have fun.