Sherwin Williams Paint School

[Vansconvert]

So, I haven't graduated from a school in 30 years, but I graduated from Sherwin Williams' seminar this afternoon.

Another really informative and hands on day. Shot another one of their color products, in my own gun, which the instructor helped me get familiar with no less. The panels turned out really nice. It gave me a lot of confidence.

We had demos on shooting metallics, clear coats, fixing screw ups, cutting and buffing. At the end of the day there was all the time anyone wanted to ask any questions. I think I am in first place for asking the greatest amount of questions. And hey, the instructor was very very good about answering them.

I just can't say enough about about this class! I don't know of a comparable seminar anywhere. Took a lot of the mystique out of it.

By the way, everything was shot with HVLP equipment.

[Lenny Iszak]

I attended this a couple of years ago, and when I arrived there I knew nothing about painting, other than using my HF primer gun... which is not much at all.

These guys were awesome and they really knew what they were doing. One of the guys (Sal) worked there for twenty some years.

I bought the same gun they use, took pictures of all their equipment and tried to replicate everything at home. It still took me a while to get the hang of it, but they did give me the confidence that I can paint my plane.

The biggest help was that later on I was able to call these guys when I ran into problems. Hahh, I painted the elevators at least 3 times, HS a couple times too

I did paint my plane, and while it's not as perfect as I would like it to be i'm still happy with the outcome.

One cool and simple thing they showed us was how to paint texture with their JetFlex interior paint.

If you are going to paint your plane with SW paint do not miss this class!

[Ron]

Can you tell us which product you used, and how much material it took? I'm wanting to start that project myself...
Tks
Ron
9A

[Glas467]

Does the SW class teach anything about prepping and painting the fiberglass parts?

[Lenny Iszak]

We practiced painting 2"x2" aluminum sheets.
I did ask and got a detailed step by step description of what products I needed to use on both metal and fiberglass, but no actual fiberglass practice.
One thing you can do is practice painting the wheelpants. If you can paint an egg shape like that without runs, you're good to go

[sglynn]

So, please tell us. Which of the Sherwin paint and primer products are best aligned for RV's ? They list so many on their website. But I'll be there is a primer and paint product that is recommended for the exterior? So which ones?

And do you think it possible to paint plane yourself, in garage, in make shift paint booth, part by part, or am I hallucinating?

thanks

[Vansconvert]

Here is what the instructor and I worked out for aluminum.
product number 110150 Wax and Grease Remover. Follow with a hot water alkaline soap solution scrubbed with a red scotchbrite pad. Follow with a phosphoric acid etch treatment like Alumnaprep, follow with AC-131 formerly known as Boegel and now a 3M product. Then product number xxx787 corrosion inhibiter (can't remember the first 3 numbers but it is on their website. Then xxx922 build primer if you need to hide scratches, or any other primer in their line-up if you do not. Then for color, either AcrylGlo or Skyscapes. Skycapes needs two coats of clear over it for UV protection, where as AcrylGlo can be clearcoated but does not need to be.

[Ken Martin]

I plan to attend this class in September. Anybody else planning to go?

[DaleB]

I've been thinking about it. It's not too far away and not too expensive, but I don't know that I'll be able to make September work. Probably looking at next year instead.

[arffguy]

The application makes it look like this class is actually intended for paint shop professionals. Do they mind that a bunch of homebuilders are attending this workshop?