Surface Preparation

3 important Steps before you start painting.

Sanding, cleaning, and applying primer are important before painting any surface. Refer to Varying Materials for specific instructions about the material you plan to paint.

No matter what kind of material you're painting, the appearance of its painted surface will be only as good as the surface preparation. Take your time to sand, clean and prime the material properly before you paint.

STEP 1: Sanding

With most materials, sanding (before and after applying Primer) is one of the most important steps of surface preparation. Begin by using Top Flite #320 grit (coarse) wet or dry sandpaper. Then progress to #400 grit (medium). Finally, sand well with #600 grit (fine) wet sandpaper.

Use a circular sanding motion and take your time. You'll want to work outdoors, in the garage or in the basement. Wet sanding can get messy. We also recommend using a Top Flite Particle Mask to protect against airborne dust.

To wet sand, dip a piece of "wet or dry" sandpaper into a bowl or can of water. Repeat wetting the paper as it dries out and collects sanding dust. CAUTION: When wet sanding, be careful not to let water flow onto bare balsa parts or metal parts that might corrode!

PAINTERS TIP: Fold the sandpaper. Tear an 8-1/2" x 11" piece of Top Flite sandpaper into four equal pieces. Before using a piece, fold it over once. The extra thickness helps avoid sanding grooves into the surface that correspond to your fingers. Pulling the sandpaper over the edge of a table, with the backside down, several times before use will make the sandpaper last longer and work better.

STEP 2: Cleaning

Before any primer or paint is applied, clean wood surfaces with a MonoKote Tack Cloth. All other surfaces should be cleaned first using a paper towel moistened with isopropyl rubbing alcohol and then followed up with a MonoKote Tack Cloth. This removes grease and oils, including skin oils, that can cause such painting problems as "fish eye".

CAUTION: Use care when cleaning clear canopies or windscreens. Some rubbing alcohols — especially those that are 90% pure — can cause an unwanted reaction, such as dulling of the gloss. Use ONLY 70% pure rubbing alcohol, and ALWAYS test it on an edge of the canopy or piece of identical scrap material first.

STEP 3: Applying LustreKote Primer

Primer seals uncoated surfaces and provides "tooth" for the top coat. LustreKote Primer is formulated for use on any of the surface treatments outlined on pages 6-8 and is a necessary base coat for a fuel-resistant, smooth, and peel-free finish.

Using LustreKote Primer Coat

• Before using LustreKote Primer, shake the can for at least two minutes after the agitator begins to rattle.
• When applying more than one coat, start with a thin coat. You will still see the surface under the primer coat. Wait 2-3 minutes, and then apply a second, heavier coat. The second coat should look smooth and slightly wet on the surface.
• Humidity and temperature can affect drying times. Always wait at least three hours before sanding the primer.

For Best Results, Get the Surface Ready First!

1. Sand the surface
2. Clean it thoroughly
3. Use LustreKote Primer

Continue to: Surface Preparation: Varying Materials