Reducer Compatibility

[Joe in NY]

I'm ready to put a reduced sealer coat of epoxy, then shoot PPG Deltron 2000 DBC dark blue metallic base coat and then clear. I'll be shooting it in my garage and the metal will be around 60 degrees. Of course the PPG dealer is pushing me to use their very pricey reducer. Can I use SPI slow reducer for the PPG? I already have a quart of PPG medium reducer. Is it safe to shoot some base with PPG reducer and some with SPI reducer? Is there a shelf life on reducer?

 

[crashtech]

SPI is a better version of PPG reducer. You can absolutely use it, in fact, I personally prefer it for DBC. I do not know about intermixing, but it's probably not an issue. There is no shelf life on well sealed reducer, but if the cap is leaky it will eventually absorb moisture. 60° is not warm enough to get good results, in my opinion. 65° is about as low as we go, and at that temp, slow reducer is still not really a good choice, although is you leave long flash times and clear the next day, you may get away with it. Be aware that DBC is a very brittle basecoat and it absolutely should have some activator (3-5%) added to it.

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

Just to add to what Crash said. DBC actually will shoot easier and layout better with SPI reducer versus PPG DT reducer. Like Crash I will only use SPI now if I'm using DBC. DBC works well with 1 ounce of clear activator per 32 ounces of ready to spray DBC (meaning reduced). Unopened Reducer will last indefinitely. Opened, try and use it within a few months max as it will absorb moisture from the environment.

 

[AAE]

Get some canned nitrogen and spray that into your reducer can to extend it's life.

 

[Joe in NY]

Well, I've got to figure out how to shoot metallics so, just to be safe, I'll use up the PPG reducer painting the underside of the hood and trunk, engine bay and door jambs then use the SPI reducer on the rest of the car.

In "The Perfect Paint Job" write up it's advised to use the slowest reducer you can get away with. That's why I was thinking I'd use the #885 reducer. I can probably get to 65 - 70 degrees. It just takes time. What's the best reducer for that temp?

I've been reading everything I can find on painting metallics but all advice you guys would like to share will be greatly appreciated. I'll be using a Starting Line gun with a 1.4 tip.

 

[texasking]

I use slow 90% of the time, you have to let it flash a little longer, but it goes on smoother. Dark blue metallic is probably the easiest metallic to spray, just put it on even and wet, and don't worry about cross coats, drop coats, or any other "tricks" to even out metallics. Your idea to use the DT reducer on the undersides is a good one. I only use the DT in the DBC if I don't have SPI. Almost half the price and a better product. DBC goes on slick with SPI 885.