This weekend I was going to shoot a test panel before I paint my 70 Corvette. I had some problems finding the color (Ontario Orange). Tried Chad and then a number of local jobbers and finally found one that could mix it in Chromabase. As you guys know, you have to use a basemaker with it. I assumed this was an activator. But as I'm reading the tech sheet, it states that "Chromabase Basecoat should be activated with 14305S Activator for optimum performance and for lifetime warranty".
Well, that was fun to read. I had asked the jobber if I needed anything else other than the base and basemaker, and he said no. I've done some searching around and it seems that the activator is sort of optional. Some folks say it helps adhesion and with repairs. I really don't want to have to go back to the jobber, he's about 35 miles away through metroplex traffic and is only open during the week when I'm working. I read one post on here that someone used UV Clear activator with lots of basecoats, including Chromabase. I have some of that on hand.
So what would you guys recommend? No activator? Activate with UV Clear activator? Or bite the bullet and drive back to get the Chromabase activator?
On another matter, I'm going to seal with white SPI epoxy. The current primer is sanded with 80 grit. Should I smooth that before the sealer? The basecoat instructions say to sand with 600, so I'll have to do that to the seal coat.
Well, that was fun to read. I had asked the jobber if I needed anything else other than the base and basemaker, and he said no. I've done some searching around and it seems that the activator is sort of optional. Some folks say it helps adhesion and with repairs. I really don't want to have to go back to the jobber, he's about 35 miles away through metroplex traffic and is only open during the week when I'm working. I read one post on here that someone used UV Clear activator with lots of basecoats, including Chromabase. I have some of that on hand.
So what would you guys recommend? No activator? Activate with UV Clear activator? Or bite the bullet and drive back to get the Chromabase activator?
On another matter, I'm going to seal with white SPI epoxy. The current primer is sanded with 80 grit. Should I smooth that before the sealer? The basecoat instructions say to sand with 600, so I'll have to do that to the seal coat.
