Diamond Finish thinning

[TDIJetta]

Hi, I received my DFC (Diamond Finish Clear) and have been trying to experiment with brushing it on an old headlight (properly sanded and prepped) I have for headlight lens restoration.  I bought the 4oz can to start (with KBS thinner, Paint Saver, and KBS Clean).  I first tried brushing it on with a foam brush straight, but predictably it was too thick and dried with waves.  I then added up to 1 teaspoon of KBS Thinner to to the (almost) 4oz DFC and mixed it.  I then applied it to another section of the headlight.  It was better, but still seemed "wavy" and not really optically clear.  I guess "thick" would be the problem?  I bought a new professional airbrush and I have an airbrush compressor (not new to airbrushing entirely).  

What is the recommended thiner/paint ratio when airbrushing?  

I don't want to entirely give up on brushing, because on a windy day it's nice to have that option so I won't have to worry about overspray.  Does DFC appear optically distorted at all when it is thinned correctly?

 Does my above description of my application seem (based off my 1 teaspoon to almost 4oz of DFC) seem that I still am lacking enough thinner?

Does KBS DFC have the same optical clarity as any other 2K or 1K clear coat?  Thank you!

[KBS Coatings]

When air brushing, it is very important to get the air pressure up. You can thin DiamondFinish Clear up to 30% with KBS #1 Thinner.

Yes, DiamondFinish Clear is optically clear even when thinned and does have the same optical clarity as other clear coat

Please let us know if that helps and if you have any additional questions.

[TDIJetta]

I thinned it 1 table spoon Diamond Clear to just half a teaspoon (about 25% or so)#1 thinner.  It sprayed well with my DA airbrush, and Paasche D500 compressor.  Which is only able to put out up to 40 psi and .5CFM at 20psi.  I got quite a few solvent bubbles, but kind of random, so I think it might be related to my technic with the DC (first time trying it in the airbrush), but I remember getting some when brushing it with a foam brush too.  It is 72* here in FL now, low humidity.  Any advice?  Hard to photo but they are there.

[KBS Coatings]

Some Suggestions:

1) Thin a little bit more with KBS #1 Thinner.
2) Apply consistently even thin coats across the entire surface.
3) Make sure the lens surface is bone dry before applying DiamondFinish Clear.

Please let us know if that helps and if you have any additional questions.

[TDIJetta]

Thank you!  I'll try these steps tomorrow!  I looked at my "test light", on the side, it sprayed w/o any solvent bubbles.  I may have sprayed the side:

1.  Faster, making the coating thinner

or

2.  closer or farther away from the front of the lens.

The air pressure, airbrush settings, weather, humidity, and all other factors were the same.  So it's probably my technic with the DC and getting used to it.  I am hopeful!!

 

Does DC require a "tack coat" like most other auto body clears, or is a single thin full coverage coat ok?  I am doing this as a mobile business-so I can't wait hour/hours in between coats to apply multiple coats.  I understand more coats may equal more protection, but if one full coverage coat will allow it to last a year or so, I'll be happy to use this for my business!

[KBS Coatings]

DiamondFinish Clear should be applied in thin, covering coats to prevent micro bubbling.

[TDIJetta]

It seemed better thinned more, however I don't think my Paasche D500 air compressor is putting our enough CFM or PSI for the still relatively thick coating.  The stream of clear is really narrow.  It is supposed to be 2" wide according to my air brush mfg.  But my air compressor just started making a clunking noise.   I'm going to get a small hotdog style compressor and see if the increased pressure helps.  The TCP Global G70 air brush might need more PSI/CFM.  My compressor's air gauge is shop, so I can't confirm how much PSI it is putting out right now.  Once I get that squared away, I'll touch base back.

 

Side note, I tried the increased thinner ration with a foam brush, it still seems SO THICK, how can it self level w/o spraying it (which allows MUCH thinner coats...)?  I can't imagine it allows an optically clear finish brushed on.

[KBS Coatings]

How are things going with spraying the DiamondFinish Clear?

[TDIJetta]

Hi, thanks for the follow-up.  I needed up not using that air brush for the DC any more.  The company advertised a 2" wide pattern, but it was not even close to that wide.  I spray just thinner through it, and the air brush is great for small detail work, but NOT a replacement for a "jamb gun" or HVLP detail gun.  So I bought a Bostich 6a pancake compressor (best reviews in its class by far) and a Harbor Freight detail HVLP gun.  Even though the HF gun says it needs 3.2-5.6 CFM, and my compressor puts out only 2.6CFM at 90 psi and 3.7 @40 PSI, it works GREAT for headlights.  I wouldn't try and paint a car with it (Haha), but now I'm getting used to the adjustments on the gun.  I resprayed my demo light and it came out almost perfect.  I did forget to filter the DC first, and got a dried booger in their (my fault).  I just ordered some more DC, so I can test it out some more.  I did not get the small bubbles this time.  I'm guessing since I had plenty of PSI, drier air (one on the compressor, one on the gun), and a HVLP with plenty of adjustment, I should be good to go.  I was never able to get the DC brushable to where you could not see the waves the foam brush left behind.  It would be nice to brush it as a back up on those windy days.  I'll repost a good picture once I get my DC and do another set of lights in about a week.

[KBS Coatings]

That is great to hear. Please post pictures when you get a chance.