No luck with the flattener...

[Taylor Blair]

I mixed it as per my jobbers instructions...

4 parts Nason 496-00 Clear
4 parts Dupont 4531S Flattener
1 part Nason 483-78 Clear Activator

It's been about three hours now and it still looks pretty @$#*

shiny to me. Was this not the correct mixing?

I touched it in a hidden spot and it seems dry! That's awful quick isn't it.

What are my choices now? I want this piece flat not sort of flat.

Thanks,
Taylor

 

[Kyle]

If it doesn't work, why not color sand and skip the polishing?

 

[Taylor Blair]

I'll be the first to admit a stupid mistake... I just wish I knew which part of it was stupid!

I believe that my mistake was putting the flattener/clear mixture on far to wet. So wet in fact that the flattener didn't stand a chance. It all seems to be working the way it should now. Although I did up the dosage and mix the flattener at about 75% instead of 50%.

If anyone is remotely interested let me know and I'll try posting some pictures when all is said and done.

Thanks,
Taylor

 

[DaveK]

I am just curious why you want a flat look?? I've heard of it but, wasn't sure what the reason was. Is it a new style or is there a reason behind it. I know your painting race bikes and there may be a purpose to it all.\

DaveK

 

[Taylor Blair]

Dave

The guy has a Mille (Aprilia) and the stock bodywork for 2001 was flat black with gloss orange accents (strips & decals). He's putting race bodywork on it and going out for a track day. Some people have just to much money!

I personally don't think it's very practical... as soon as he gets oil on it and wipes it off it'll be shiny in that location. After that the only way I know of to take it back to flat is by using Motul Wash (made to clean flat surfaces).

Well, I better go get ready for the severe weather that's heading our way.

Later,
Taylor

 

[Taylor Blair]

I'm not keen on just color sanding and then skipping the color sanding. I don't know if it would be possible to get an even sand across the piece in all areas. Thank's for the idea though.

I spoke with the jobber again and was told that no matter what I did it would still have a bit of a shine. And that my best bet was to spray it on a bit drier. Although it might have a rough feel to it, it would look a little more like what I was hoping.

I'm going to go try again,
Taylor