Durable Flat Finish (Not Thunderbird)

[HurstBows]

Does anyone have a durable Flat Finish the like working with?

I’ve been using Thunderbird for 5 years and its been a continual headache trying to get a consistent flat (dusty) finish with it.

I’ve tried adding More Flattening Agent to the point where white specs will settle out on the bows. Been Anal About Spray Environment, Temperature and Humidity. Mixed it with gloss components. Tried Freezing it. I can’t get consistent results.

Every time I get new cans of Flat in, it’s like I have to learn how this batch behaves, I’m tired of struggling with it and looking to try something new.

[Arlo]

I got tired of messing with T-bird years ago. Not that its a bad finish...But there are better products that stay clear and are just as durable, for a lot less cost.

I'd recommend finding an auto clear coating that is user friendly.  They have flattening agents for that material too, but you are right.... it's a pain in the arse and comes out different every time you use it... I got introduced to a material called "Euroclear" made by Pro performance products. 4:1 , med activator, no reducer.

I gave that flattening agent stuff up too and just use a high solids clear gloss, and use air pressure and flow rates to create a very fine matte finish that comes out satin, low reflective finish. (HVLP 1.4 tip , 30 psi @ 10-12'' wide fan , low volume)  It's kind of a learning curve too, but comes out looking nice, and stays clear without yellowing like epoxy clear coating.     Arlo

[Crooked Stic]

I have heard of the euro clear. But have no idea where to get it. What is the cost?

[HurstBows]

Thanks, Arlo! Really appreciate it!

[4 point]

Are you saying your trying to get a frost finish? Thunderbird is super easy to work with in my opinion.

[Flem]

I don't use Epoxy for finish and don't know the issues for flattening the stuff. Also guessing Auto clears don't come in flat finishes. CV can be had in every sheen level. I buy semi-gloss and flatten if necessary with fumed silica.
Works well and you don't need to have multiple cans of finish to achieve a variety of sheens.

[4 point]

Flem, you can make automotive clear any sheen you want by adding flatter but you loose UV resistance. On a bow that shouldn’t matter. If you use a automotive clear I would think it would be best to add a flex additive to keep the limbs from checking, it doesn’t like to flex a lot with out additive.

[kennym]

Travis, that was my concern with clearcoat in the rattlecans, but none yet. Figured it might be like all the old bears with the lines in finish across limbs.

[4 point]

Kenny, I’m guessing that with a rattle can your mil’s are low enough that it won’t bother. I’m guessing thru a spray gun if you hammered it on you would have problems. The problem with flexing auto clear is it makes it super hard to work with. It’s gummy when you try to sand it.

[Kirkll]

There are many types of auto clear coating and some are very expensive and tricky to work with. But there are some that are pretty user friendly too.

 Consistency is the tough part spraying any clear coating. It’s a trade all in itself learning how to apply it, what tip size to use, air pressure, and volume adjustment, viscosity…. Etc…etc… every product is different too. Some require reducers. Some you can use full strength with the right tip and the right activator.

Most finishes are very sensitive to a dust free environment and require a spray booth with temperature control. A lot of these auto painters use a force dry method that is beyond my abilities.

It goes on and on….  Kirk

[bucknut]

Good to see you back Kirk.

[Robertfishes]

I agree Buck nut, nice to Kirk back on this forum. Kirk and Crooked Stic helped me out a lot back in 2009 when I first got started.. KennyM also helped me out when I started building longbows..  I had good luck spraying Krystal that I got from Big Jim. It's pretty user friendly, dries real quick.. I bought some Thunderbird but was not able to use it after my injury 5 years ago..I am hoping to build some more ILF limbs..I had 3 sets to glue up but got side lined..

 

[Flem]

I'm guilty of using cheap U-POL clear. I just don't use enough to justify buying expensive product and having it expire on me. I'm NOT putting it on autos! Sands and rubs out just fine. It's also a good product to experiment with or cut your teeth on, it's cheap!

[Mad Max]

Dupli-color wheel paint matte clear and VHT wheel paint matte clear are the same and both spray a professional looking finish.
Gloss not so good

I have tried Thunder bird and Buffalo with Orange peel, I think the Orange peel comes in the can with it.

[Crooked Stic]

You got to thin them Max

[BrushWolf]

A shiny finish for me with flat thunderbird is usually I put to heavy of a coat on. I have good luck with a gloss base coat then two or three very light sprays of flat. Setting the gun to barely putting any finish out has worked for me.

[Mad Max]

You got to thin them Max

I used there thinner 

[Bow man]

A shiny finish for me with flat thunderbird is usually I put to heavy of a coat on. I have good luck with a gloss base coat then two or three very light sprays of flat. Setting the gun to barely putting any finish out has worked for me.

That is the way to go and is exactly what Centaur,  Black widow and Toelke do for there flat finish. When Bill Dunn owned Zipper he did it that way also.

If you are getting Orange Peel you are spraying it on to heavy need to turn volume on spray gun down

[Flem]

"If you are getting Orange Peel you are spraying it on to heavy need to turn volume on spray gun down"


Not necessarily. Orange peel is usually from incomplete atomization. That could be caused by a lot of things including, not enough air pressure, finish too thick and also incorrect fluid to air ratio. If you are not checking viscosity with a Ford, Zahn or similar cup, you are shooting in the dark, or pissing in the wind. Without dialing in your gun and finish, its a crap shoot for repeatability and consistency.

[4 point]

Flem, what Bow man said is exactly what I do and it works perfectly. By turning your materials down your actually increasing atomization. Tip size plays a roll but can be compensated for by reducing materials. If thunder bird was sprayed thru a 1.2 tip I’m thinking you could get a glass finish if that’s what a person was looking for.