Wanted Heathkit Paint Sources (Heath Listserv)

[Gregg]

Hi Larry,

Whenever I see these requests, they are always followed by advice to go to
Benjamin Moore and have the color matched.  The problem is that you need a
sprayer, and that can be expensive if you're doing this infrequently. Some
stores supposedly offer custom spray cans, but I have *never* seen one that
does.  

I have found the easiest solution is to take the cabinet with you to any well
stocked automotive supply store.  There you will find dozens, (possibly
HUNDREDS), of small cans of automotive matched paints.  They only cost about
$5 bucks, and I have never failed to find a near perfect match.

If you need a "crinkle" finish, simply go to Home Depot and buy any color
crinkle finish spray paint to use as a base coat.  Then, spray the automotive
color matched paint over that.  However, make sure the paints are compatible
with each other. This is rarely a problem now that most automotive paints are
no longer made with lacquer.  Nevertheless, check the back of the can and make
sure it does NOT say "Acrylic" and\or "Acrylic Lacquer."  If it does, then
make sure the crinkle paint is also the same type.

Note #1: Most of the fast drying (i.e. "20 minutes") *Krylon* paints are
indeed "Acrylic Lacquer."  If it DOES NOT say "Enamel", then you should assume
it *IS* "Acrylic Lacquer."  This is a mute point if you are not using it as a
crinkle base coat.  In that case you can use any type of paint you want. And
in fact, Lacquer is a MUCH harder finish than enamel, and much more forgiving
as is it sprayed.

Note #2: Most of the automotive paints found in the small cans in automotive
supply stores (i.e. "Duplicolor") are NOT compatible with most Krylon fast
drying paints, such as Krylon Crinkle finish type paint.  If you MUST use a
crinkle base coat, then I would suggest either NOT using automotive color
matched paint, or only doing so if the cans clearly state what type of paint
they are, and you therefore know there won't be compatibility issues between
the crinkle finish and the auto paint.

The reason I point that out is because surprisingly many spray cans DO NOT
state what type of paint they are.  If you must use a crinkle finish for a
base coat, then you *must* go to the trouble of being certain the paints are
the same type.  Other than that, the project is truly a breeze to do.  Just
don't be a perfectionist.  It will come out very nice if you *DON'T* try too
hard. (That doesn't sound right, but trust me on this.  The same is true of
carpentry, and even soldering... Ever overheat a component because you wanted
to make sure it was well soldered?  That's what I mean).  The only place to be
a "perfectionist" about is the preparation and sanding.  You want a nice
clean, and evenly sanded surface.  Most people make the mistake of thinking
they can get a smooth surface by spraying a lot of paint.  That is the
biggest, and most common, mistake made.

Good luck.

Sincerely,
Gregg
-------------------------------

(Quote):

> Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2006 17:58:16 0000
> From: Larry Louie <y4562 at COMCAST.NET>
> Subject: Wanted Heathkit Paint Sources

> Could anyone provide sources for Heathkit spray paint? Have a nice
> HR-10B VFO and DX-60B transmitter cases that need a nice overspray of
> the original paint color match to bring these units back into restored
> condition. 

> Thanks

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