Not all spray paints are the same; by chemical formation, application, and usability, there are quite some differences between each other. However, this blog is about spray painting using two pack or 2K paint.

2K paints most popular uses include painting automotive to home improvement chores such as painting window frames, including other joinery. 2K paint is an easy go-to product for DIYers and handymen. But if you’re new to this, you need an example of how to deal with each type of two pack paint, and how to execute the application firmly. So, continue reading, and check out how to spray 2K paints for both solid and clear types.

Two Pack Or 2K Paint: The Basics

For those of us who don’t know yet, two-pack or 2K paints are an isocyanate-based hardened solution that contains acrylic paint melamine as the colour, and resin as the hardener. Because of its chemical properties, it can produce a hardened paint quite quickly. Therefore, it’s a highly popular painting in the automotive industry, and for jobs like home finishes, recolouring, etc.

However, there is a darker side of 2K paint as well.

Working with a 2K paint comes with a bit of health risk, as isocyanate (known as a harmful carcinogen) is one of the 2K paint chemical ingredients. On top of that, it requires sheer precision to apply. Otherwise, the whole spray painting job can go in vain. Hence, we need to go through every step of how to spray two-pack paint, not only for safety, but for producing a great job.

How To Spray Two Pack Paint Of Both Solid And Clear Types

2K  paints available –

1. Solid ones that come with specific colours and work on a primed surface;
2. Clear one provides a glossy touch.

The most commonly used kind of two pack paints is used when applying a colourful 2K paint finish on any primed surface. The surface should, however, also be wet-finished for the best output from the two pack paint.

Steps To Apply Coloured 2K Paint –

• Step 1: To embrace wet 2K paint, you need to prepare the surface that you’re going to apply it. Start with cleaning it up with wax and grease remover.
• Step 2: For further preparation of the surface, you can use a tack rag and wipe the surface once again. Do it slowly this time.
• Step 3: Get the right spray gun that you’ll apply the 2K paint. Set it to the right pressure level (psi). Usually, it’s between 27-30 psi for this kind of paint.
• Step 4: Make a perfect blend of the 2K colour, 2K reducer, and 2K hardener, as they don’t come in a pre-mixed condition. Once done, load the sprayer with the mix.
• Step 5: There might be a tiny bit of thin paint on the tip of the sprayer. Strain it away using a paper paint strainer.
• Step 6: Start applying the first layer of the spray paint on the clean, dust-free surface.
• Step 7: Once the single coat flashes off, go with the second coat. Keep repeating the process until the whole surface is fully covered.
• Step 8: Dry up the surface with ample time that it needs.

The purpose of applying the clear version of this paint is to create a glossy touch on top of the surface. It’s usually a metallic or pearl colour that requires the application of a clear coat of 2K paint. Often, this is done for the sake of protection as well.

Steps To Apply Clear 2K Paint –

• Step 1: Prepare the spray gun that goes right with the particular clear 2K paint you’ll be applying. It usually comes with a 1.25-1.45mm tip. Also, set it up for the right psi (pressure), which is 28-30psi in most cases.
• Step 2: Prepare the paint spray mix with a fine blending of 2K clear coat, 2K reducer, and 2K hardener. Go by the recommended ratio.
• Step 3: There might be a tiny bit of thin paint on the tip of the sprayer. Strain it away using a paper paint strainer.
• Step 4: Make sure that the surface you’ll be applying the paint is clear, dust-free, and dry.
• Step 5: Start with one single coat of the paint on the subject surface. Give it ample time (usually 5-10 minutes) to dry it off. Don’t use any forced drying technique.
• Step 6: Apply the second coat, allowing it to dry also.
• Step 7: After the paint dries, check for the glossiness that you expected on the surface. If you are happy with the gloss, yes, proceed with the next step, if not, go with another coat.
• Step 8: Once you get the number of coats you need, repeat the process for the rest of the surface.

The bottom line is; as per the report from Health and Safety Executive (HSE), each year about 50+ spray painters are diagnosed with isocyanate-induced asthma. Hence, it’s needless to say that dealing with 2K or two pack paint is a risky job.

But you can take the most out of this and see the positive sides; you are still able to execute the steps safely as instructed on how to spray two pack paint.

Call us direct at Earles Paints on 07 4121 5202 for all the information you need for your safety precautions.

Cheers!