How to spray Dupont Imron?

[Dan750SX]

A search on Imron and paint seems to turn up a wealth of knowledge on prep. So I'm good on prep. How about actual application?

The paint shop people say Imron, while a very durable paint, is hard to apply and have it look good. So, as somebody who has never sprayed with a sprayer, what sort of advice can you give me on spraying? How fast to spray, how far away, etc.

I'm going to paint the whole thing with a "High Build 2K" primer first, then I'll start with the bottom of the hull so that if anything gets jacked, it's not all that visible. My general idea right now is to go for light coats and just do multiple light coats until it looks good. Are light coats a good idea with Imron, or is there problems with going too light?

The Imron I'm using will be a metallic instead of flat. Any potential problems with a metallic finish rather than a flat?

Finally, she did set me up with all the proper personal protective equipment - resperator, suit, hood, gloves that dont' dissolve. I'll also get a nice new pair of full goggles.

Thanks!

[gj_fx1]

Re: How to spray Dupont Imron?

As I understand imron is nasty stuff requiring high end respirators and such.
Probably not the best start for a beginner unless you have acess to the proper equipment.

[mtpocketsad]

Re: How to spray Dupont Imron?

Metallic isn't going to help you learn. It is easy to get streaks and mottling of the metallic. You have to put on medium coats, light coats don't like to stick as well as medium and they don't flow out. Also remember Imron doesn't like to be left in water for more than a day or two at a time. It has a tendency to form small blister. We used to use it on boats years ago. It is great above the water line. Should be ok on jet ski, as long as it is not left in for any great length.
Sand hull and repair any scrapes and gouges, prime your repaired spots, then seal the whole hull. Primer surfacer is not a sealer, its main purpose is to fill imperfections, and stick to bare metal.
Have a good fan sucking fumes out of spray area, also remember exhausted air containg paint and fumes may stick to anything in its path.
Good luck,
It is not as easy as it looks, not saying you can't. But don't expect a perfect job your first time.

['Crockett]

Re: How to spray Dupont Imron?

Imron is a 30 year old product ! There are much easier to apply products out there that are, as good, if not better quality than Imron.

Go talk to the guy behind the counter at your local paint supply store and see what he reccomends. Any good quality 2 or 3 stage sytem will work fine for what ever you are working on.

Imron is waaaaay old school. . . . . . . JMO

[Eco Jim]

Re: How to spray Dupont Imron?

A search on Imron and paint seems to turn up a wealth of knowledge on prep. So I'm good on prep. How about actual application?

The paint shop people say Imron, while a very durable paint, is hard to apply and have it look good. So, as somebody who has never sprayed with a sprayer, what sort of advice can you give me on spraying? How fast to spray, how far away, etc.

I'm going to paint the whole thing with a "High Build 2K" primer first, then I'll start with the bottom of the hull so that if anything gets jacked, it's not all that visible. My general idea right now is to go for light coats and just do multiple light coats until it looks good. Are light coats a good idea with Imron, or is there problems with going too light?

The Imron I'm using will be a metallic instead of flat. Any potential problems with a metallic finish rather than a flat?

Finally, she did set me up with all the proper personal protective equipment - resperator, suit, hood, gloves that dont' dissolve. I'll also get a nice new pair of full goggles.

Thanks!

I painted a 16 ft Wellcraft with Imron once. Followed everyones instructions and it still came out with a rough feeling, dull looking finish. Just "God Awful" ugly.

Body shop told me to take 1200 grit wet & dry and rub face to face until it seemed like about a 2000 grit. Then sand and buff it. I sanded and buffed it and it looked like some classic paint shop did it. You need to practice a little bit before you paint. If I remember correctly you have to spray in only one direction, not too much of an angle, and not too far away. It dries so fast you will paint over dried overspry unless you're lucky.

Good Luck!!

Ever thought of Awl Grip ?

[monoshock]

Re: How to spray Dupont Imron?

I have painted with it many years ago. I agree with Crockett, there are much better (newer) paints than Imron. I'd go with a base coat clear coat with a hardner in the clear.

[Spun Monkey]

Re: How to spray Dupont Imron?

Ok That is a paint myth about only being able to spray paint in one direction. Also imron needs to be sprayed in medium coats like stated earlier. I have seen boats sprayed with imron and sitting in water for years and a little wax always makes it look normal. Yes there are newer paints out there but imron is good. Dont try the light coats your paint job will look like crap. As stated earlier the paint needs flow. Medium coats work best. There is no special angle or distance to be sprayed. Use a good overlap to keep the paint wet looking. Dont go to heavy or you will be sanding runs. And it is nasty stuff so dont breath it in. Here is a quad frame i painted in imron about a year and half ago. How do you spray this in one direction only.

[Dan750SX]

Re: How to spray Dupont Imron?

The problem with other paints is that nobody can agree on other paints. Some say base coat/clear coat can result in spider cracks. One guy at a different paint store recommended epoxy paint. He said it should last about 3 years. 3 years?! The OEM paint lasted for 14 years and counting!

The reason I decided to go with Imron is it's what was originally sprayed on the boat, and it has withstood the test of time.


Okay, about spraying.

Here's what I gather so far from this thread. Don't go too thin. So I have to find the "happy medium". Spraying in both directions is fine. Make sure nothing in the exhaust area is something I don't want painted.

With regards to the metallic, I may end up with a nasty looking job. What exactly is mottling? Sounds like I should just go with a flat Imron instead.

Also, thanks for the tip on sanding. So, if the job doesn't look great, sand with 2000 grit and buff. I did get some 2000grit sandpaper, so I'm ready for that.

As far as sealing the hull, what if I paint a light coat of epoxy over the hull and rough that up? I have plenty of epoxy left over from my foothold install to get a nice thin coat. Will that work as a sealer?

Thanks again!

[CarterB]

Re: How to spray Dupont Imron?

I KNOW IT IS AN OLD POST....but just to add more info for those interested
use a 2 part primer! dont spray thinned epoxy resin. Imron is awesome and cheap. you can do a light tack coat and let sit for 15 minutes....then you have to spray your wetcoat fairly fast and avoid getting over spray by spraying top parts first then bottom areas....this paint doesnt seem to run very easily so spray fairly heavy. The overspray is easily wetsanded off once cured but best if you can avoid it.
This paint is great for skis since its so durable. if you plan on doing much multicolor design and stages id go with automotive paint.
just did this boat for about $100 total in black orange and primer!!!! cant beat that