Brodak Retarder

[Phil Coopy]

I don't quite understand Brodak's instructions for using their retarder. In one place in the pamphlet is says 50/50 retarder/thinner and another it says don't go over 20%.

Phil

[Richard Grogan]

Maybe their talking about 50% dope to 50% thinner mixture, and to not exceed 20% retarder to that total mixture. I would use 10-15% to be safe; have to shoot some test pieces to be sure though.....

[Randy Powell]

I shoot paint in very high humidity. Over time, I've worked out formulas based on the barometric pressure and humidity level. But even when it's the worst (Baro over 30.05 and humidity upwards of 85%), I never go over 5-10% retarder. As Ty says, the results of using too much are, well, not pretty.

[Dennis Moritz]

Retarder needs to be adjusted to the weather in the paint room. Humidity, temperature, barometric pressure (since Randy says so, sure he's right). I always do a practice board on which I shoot test patches. Sometimes testing a batch a few times. Especially when doing different coats during a given day. I use retarder to keep out the orange peel (bumps caused from drying too quick). Also, if the paint looks dull when applying, might indicate drying too quick. The aim is usually a wet looking coat. My mix batches tend to be small, a couple of ounces at most. Small amounts of retarder (a few splashes sometimes) is enough. Because I'm adjusting to conditions the mix may vary. I'm on the learning curve, have been doing spray paint for a few years. The feel for what needs to be done gets better. A conservative approach to retarder is probably the right way to go.

[Keith Spriggs]

I think the time between a slick finish and a run is 1/1000 of a second

[Bill Little]

I shoot paint in very high humidity. Over time, I've worked out formulas based on the barometric pressure and humidity level. But even when it's the worst (Baro over 30.05 and humidity upwards of 85%), I never go over 5-10% retarder. As Ty says, the results of using too much are, well, not pretty.

Hi Randy, and Ty,

I have experienced the retarder disaster once too often.  And the *too hot* thinner, too!  *too hot* thinner created a kinda lace effect on the base color.  Too much retarder allowed the entire paint structure to lift all the way to BARE silkspan when I tried to tape it off!  Getting in a hurry did it for both cases.  Seems like I would learn from my mistakes, but nooooo.........


Bill <><

[Phil Coopy]

I tried More's Law (If some is good More is better.) with the retarder and it came out quite good. Nice shiny wet looking finish....Thanks folks.

Phil

[Phil Coopy]

Thanks......didn't do any taping because this was the final clear finish coat..

Phil