best rattle can satin black? (for baffles)

[Paul Carmody]

Hopefully, the thread title says it all. I'm looking for a nice, inconspicuous satin black finish on a baffle. SPRAY LINES ARE A BIG NO NO HERE.

For the record--and just to give something back--the best way I've found to achieve a gloss baffle with minimal work is to seal the MDF with 2 coats of "glue size," sand with 220 grit, then spray a few coats of Rust Oleum appliance epoxy.

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Re: best rattle can satin black? (for baffles)

my foolproof method invlolves sanding sealer (bullseye) a few coats of red primer from hd, a few coats of flat black, followed by a few coats of water based poly. fool proof satin/ semi-gloss finish every time.

[williamrschneider]

Re: best rattle can satin black? (for baffles)

I'm also a Krylon paint fan for smaller baffles...



Seal the MDF with your choice of either glue sizing or dewaxed shellac, sand it smooth (repeat as necessary), and hit it with Krylon satin.

[martyh]

Re: best rattle can satin black? (for baffles)

Paul,

I've had pretty good success with the Valspar brand. I avoid gloss paints, preferring satin finishes with a top coat of acrylic (OK, five coats of acrylic).

Good Luck!

[Wolf]

Re: best rattle can satin black? (for baffles)

I like using Elmer's white to seal ends; 150 power/220g hand
Duplicolor High Build primer; 150 power/220 hand/400g hand
Duplicolor Primer Sealer; 400/600g both hand

Krylon *Fusion* satin black would be my choice.

I have not tried the H20 Krylon Latex, but that is another option.

Later,
Wolf

[benhinkle711]

Re: best rattle can satin black? (for baffles)

The best satin black I've used was the house brand at FleetFarm. For the life of me I can't remember what the name of it is. Maybe one of our WI brethern will chime in with the name. Anyway it dried quickly, sprayed smooth and even, and is very durable. Of course I don't know if there are any FleetFarms in your area or not. My method is identical to Wolfs except I use elmers wood glue.

[NateTTU]

Re: best rattle can satin black? (for baffles)

Surface prep is key, but you probably already know this. Can't get a good finish if the base isn't flawless.

As far as a good satin black I really like Krylon Chalkboard Spray Paint. Its of course made for something else, but its holds up very well and has a very nice black slate finish. I've used lots of different types of paint and sprays and Krylon makes some of the best spray paints in my opinion.

I think the chalkboard spray is just as nice as their flat black, but has an added benefit of being a little more durable. I think its perfect for most small jobs if you don't want to invest in some expensive spray equipment. Just make sure you keep a close eye on how much is left in the can. When it gets low, just like all others, it will begin to spit a bit and can ruin a perfect finish in no time.

http://www.krylon.com/products/chalkboard_paint/

BTW, I've tried 3 to 4 coats of this with another few coats of clear coat on top and it looks really good. However, I might recommend against a clear coat because it will actually scratch easier than the paint itself. Other than an enamal spray paint or duratex I don't really know of anything more durable.

[ocdSCHACK]

Re: best rattle can satin black? (for baffles)

I'd go with generic Pep Boys flat black paint; I think it's a blue can with white/gray writing. It's cheap, dries fast, and acts like lacquer (although I'm not sure what it is.) Heat the can like this http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=217959

If you don't get it smooth enough, do a final top coat with a well recommended, slower drying, enamel.

As for technique, you can do 2 things:
1) "keep a wet edge,"- spray so the paint is overlapping about 50% of the previous line you painted. Too much space will make zebra stripes. The goal is to let the paint dry "as one." Not have each spray pass dry separately.

2) Using thinner paint, by product nature or heating - stand back and mist the surface so no spray lines are made. Each spray fades into the other. This method is harder, but can be done with a slow drying paint. This method adds more texture the quicker the paint dries.

[mikejennens]

Re: best rattle can satin black? (for baffles)

I like using Elmer's white to seal ends; 150 power/220g hand
Duplicolor High Build primer; 150 power/220 hand/400g hand
Duplicolor Primer Sealer; 400/600g both hand

Krylon *Fusion* satin black would be my choice.

I have not tried the H20 Krylon Latex, but that is another option.

Later,
Wolf

Wolf,
When you say 150 power/220 hand, what does that mean? Is it 150 grit with an electric sander and 220 grit by hand? What does primer sealer do as opposed to high build primer?
Thanks,
Mike

[ocdSCHACK]

Re: best rattle can satin black? (for baffles)

I'd forgot to add, although I assumed it was known, a fine grit sandpaper is best to seal the edges of MDF. Too rough will open up the edges and too fine will clog easily. 320 is a good place to start for the last few coats - just move up or down in grits depending on how it's working and what coat your on. The numerous options of (paint and sandpaper) prevent this from being any sort of law, but it's much closer than a wild as$ guess.

One awesome trick I discovered when using finer grit paper - as the sandpaper begins to fill up (right before it clogs,) rub/scrub it with the corner of a softish scuffing pad. This cleans it well, which makes it work better and last longer. It works better to rub it side to side on the paper so the hairs of the pad don't catch the grain of the sandpaper. You should be able to tell which direction is best assuming the paper you use has a direction of the grain.

[davepellegrene]

Re: best rattle can satin black? (for baffles)

I like using Elmer's white to seal ends; 150 power/220g hand
Duplicolor High Build primer; 150 power/220 hand/400g hand
Duplicolor Primer Sealer; 400/600g both hand

Krylon *Fusion* satin black would be my choice.

I have not tried the H20 Krylon Latex, but that is another option.

Later,
Wolf

I like the Krlon as well.
I see you use duplicolor. Any Idea were to get their Chrome paint. I had a can on my shelf and don't Know were it came from. I can't seem to find it locally any were. Not sure what they do different but it has a unique look to it. I plan on using it on my next build. Hopefully I don't have to order it on line.
Dave

[MrkCrwly]

Re: best rattle can satin black? (for baffles)

Paul, the best way to get a great finish on your baffles would be to send them to Bill Schneider.

[Wolf]

Re: best rattle can satin black? (for baffles)

Wolf,
When you say 150 power/220 hand, what does that mean? Is it 150 grit with an electric sander and 220 grit by hand? What does primer sealer do as opposed to high build primer?
Thanks,
Mike

You have those directions correct. Power sand or hand sand.

The primer sealer goes over top of the primer to seal it. This way you build paint without sinking into the primer. I tell you what, the first time I used it was on the Vijon baffles. If the primer is sanded to 400 grit and you get that smooth finish, you don't want it to 'bump up' further. If you seal the primer, and hit it with 400 and 600 by hand afterwards, it's almost glassy smooth. Paint lays SOOOOOO good on top of that prep, and you get your high gloss you desire.



I finished off the primer sealer of that trip on the Sophomores, and that also made a good paint-lay.

Later,
Wolf

[Wolf]

Re: best rattle can satin black? (for baffles)

I like the Krlon as well.
I see you use duplicolor. Any Idea were to get their Chrome paint. I had a can on my shelf and don't Know were it came from. I can't seem to find it locally any were. Not sure what they do different but it has a unique look to it. I plan on using it on my next build. Hopefully I don't have to order it on line.
Dave

I get mine at Advanced Autoparts. Autozone has basically nothing. Sometimes Walmart carries it, but not often.

Later,
Wolf

[danklugherz]

Re: best rattle can satin black? (for baffles)

I like using Elmer's white to seal ends; 150 power/220g hand
Duplicolor High Build primer; 150 power/220 hand/400g hand
Duplicolor Primer Sealer; 400/600g both hand

Krylon *Fusion* satin black would be my choice.

I have not tried the H20 Krylon Latex, but that is another option.

Later,
Wolf

+1 The Krylon Fusion is what I use as well, it has the nicest sheen of the satins I've tried. Plus I like the fan spray tip.