Problems with Perfection and flatener

[Saltyhog]

I had to do some major repairs to the sole in the head. I'm down to paint. The first coat went pretty well. Then I decided to add the flattening agent to the final coat and it has not been flowing well at all. Orange peel in a big way. The first time (second overall coat) I attributed it to high humidity and temps. This time (third overall coat) I had the air conditioning on. Same result. My process is:
1) Mix the perfection. I believe it's 2:1 + 10% brushing thinner
2) Mix the flattening agent. I believe it's 3:1
3) Wait 20 minutes, and mix the perfection with the flattening agent. I used 2 parts perfection to 1 of flattener.
4) Apply with hotdog roller and tip where needed.

It just won't flow. I tried adding more thinner, but no help. Perhaps not enough, but the directions say 10%. The flattening agent directions didn't say anything about adding thinner. What am I doing wrong. I'm inclined to just leave it as it's just the head floor. I'll call it non-skid for the head. But I worked really hard to fair and smooth everything an it's a shame to not be able to show that off.

[bstreep]

Hog, I'd post your experience on Interlux's forum. They are REALLY good about getting back to you quickly.

With our extensive experience with Perfection... It can be very finicky. A couple of things I noticed:

1) add the reducer last - you are using 2333, correct?

2) SOME rollers work very poorly. We are still trying to figure out which ones were bad. I'm told the West Products ones are very good.

3) Second coat, if you are getting a lot of orange peel, try more reducer. We used up to 20% TOTAL. You want the thinnest coat you can, and still cover. We had the best results where we didn't tip.

4) A/C on might be a problem, especially if it's really dry. You need time for the solvent to exit the paint before skinning, and for the paint to flatten out.

Here's our project. Read to the end:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ion-96573.html

[Saltyhog]

Thanks Bill, I'll do that.

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by Saltyhog

I had to do some major repairs to the sole in the head. I'm down to paint. The first coat went pretty well. Then I decided to add the flattening agent to the final coat and it has not been flowing well at all......

It just won't flow. I tried adding more thinner, but no help. Perhaps not enough, but the directions say 10%. The flattening agent directions didn't say anything about adding thinner. What am I doing wrong......

Try calling International (yachtpaint.com) directly.

I have called the UK branch with queries while in Greece. I was not put on hold, nor did the call need to be transferred. The advice was instant and accurate .

[minaret]

Apply without flattening agent and then finish with 2000 wet or ultra fine scotch brite by hand for the flat effect. I only use flattening agent in nonskid myself, for numerous reasons. This being one of them.

[Saltyhog]

Originally Posted by minaret

Apply without flattening agent and then finish with 2000 wet or ultra fine scotch brite by hand for the flat effect. I only use flattening agent in nonskid myself, for numerous reasons. This being one of them.

Thanks Minaret! I'd hoped you'd respond.