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Advice needed on Spraypainting Cardboard. (This project is going to be Epic!!!)

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Mon, 02/22/2010 - 15:15
Arvin
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I'm trying to paint large Cardboard sheets for my project
(what I mean by large is like 1 meter by 1 meter size cardboard sheets and multiple copies of this)
This is going to be a HUGE board :D (I mean you couldn't even imagine it)

I'm having trouble painting them evenly... I'm trying to spray paint these by using a compressor. (I know how to use it properly)
I'm using enamel paint. (the only paint available to me)

My problem is finding the correct ratio for the thinner and the paint.
Got any good Ideas?

My goal is this: a paint mixture that is easy to dry when applied to cardboard but not sticky when dried so that Clothing would not stick to it's surface and yet glossy enough so that water cannot penetrate it.

If anyone has any experience spray painting could you please give some advice? (I really need it A.S.A.P.)

Thanks!!!

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Mon, 02/22/2010 - 16:23
#1
CloudBuster
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Couldn't you just use spray cans?

I guess (given the "epic-ness" of this project) you have opted not to use spray cans is because it would be prohibitively expensive? Are all of these 1 meter by 1 meter pieces going to be the same color?

My daughter had a science project that required a big display board. I'd say it was about 1 meter by 1 meter (give or take). We just used a can of black spray paint. We carefully sprayed it back and forth with even strokes and it came out great. Even. No drips. I DID give it a couple coats, though. I don't think you want to try to get it perfect with one coat. It might take two or three to get it just the way you want. Be sure to let it dry between coats.

I don't know how to use a compressor, but it seems to me if you're adding thinner it's to make the paint flow better through the nozzle? Seems like this is going to take some experimentation on your part not matter what type of advice you get here. Just keep experimenting on pieces that don't matter and write down how/what you used.

For example: Ratios: 1 cub thinner to 1 gallon paint. Result: Too runny. Not enough paint.

Ratios: 1 half cup thinner to one gallon paint Result: Better, but still too runny. Not enough coverage.

That's all I've got. I hope it works out for you.

-CB-

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Mon, 02/22/2010 - 21:07
#2
Black Canyon
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A different approach

Have you considered using corrugated plastic instead?

http://www.coroplast.com/product.htm

This would save you a ton of time and money on paint, plus it is automatically waterproof and comes in many different colors. I think this would be much better than spray painted cardboard.

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Mon, 02/22/2010 - 23:29
#3
Arvin
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I've considered that but...

Any more suggestions?

Thanks for the ratios... that was really helpful.

I've considered using corrugated plastic sheets but I'm from the Philippines I don't know any suppliers available. If there is, I doubt that it can be delivered at my place. I don't have any experience purchasing from suppliers though (I'm a College Student). I really tried to find this material locally but with no luck.

In the meantime, I'll use this method for my project.

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Mon, 02/22/2010 - 23:46
#4
scifiantihero
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Is there . . .

. . . any reason rolling it on won't work?

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Tue, 02/23/2010 - 00:43
#5
Arvin
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I've thought of that too.

Have you ever tried painting cardboard with paint rollers? it's very difficult, plus it warps the cardboard and makes it curved because it's water-based.(I don't want that)
But that Idea was still good...

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Thu, 02/25/2010 - 05:53
#6
Arvin
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I've Tried...

I have tried using latex paint but it just won't work... Any more Suggestions? I'll take any Crazy Ideas... and I will try it just as long as i can afford it... *Banging my head in the wall* :(

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Thu, 02/25/2010 - 06:53
#7
scifiantihero
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I dunno . . .

. . . I guess I've painted various card board for various reasons over the years . . . but I don't really remember anything specific.

What about foamcoreboard stuff?

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Thu, 02/25/2010 - 09:29
#8
Arvin
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Foamboard

Neh...
I'll stick with the cardboard it's special for it's purpose in my creation.
Nice Idea though...

Come on people keep em coming... :D

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Fri, 02/26/2010 - 00:23
#9
treybert
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I can't really give a ratio

I can't really give a ratio because enamel isn't always a certain viscosity. Thin it down (with the proper thinner, water won't work with enamel) to around milk thickness. Try using a HVLP spray gun (high volume low pressure) and it should prevent most clogging. Remember to WEAR A RESPIRATOR. Spraying thinner is bad news. Be sure not to exceed the PSI rating of the gun, but I'd guess anywhere around 25-45 psi.

Does it have to be enamel? Acrylic would be much more spray friendly (thins with water), and far less hazardous.

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Fri, 02/26/2010 - 04:38
#10
Arvin
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Viscosity...

Yep I know there are different viscosities for different colored paints (because of the different colored pigments), that's why It's difficult to find the correct ratios... guess I'll just have to experiment with it and see what works out

---About the HVLP spray gun:
I'll take note of that.

---About the Acrylic paints:
Why didn't I think of that!!!
I don't have any experience using them though.
I'll find some Acrylic paints if there's available
But if there's nothing *Well back to the drawing board*
Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely use respirators next time.

Any more people willing to share their Ideas are welcome...I'll take anything :D

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