I am using PPG Deltron DBC Basecoat and PPG Concept 2021 Urethane Clear. The regional sales manager hooked me up with this system for a very small fee.

Anyway, as I read the literature, it says that I don't need a flex agent added to the basecoat. In the clear literature, it reads that I can add the flex agent if I paint the panels off the car, but it isn't necessary if I paint with the panels on the car.

Question is, is anyone familiar enough with PPG products to substantiate this?

Should I basecoat everything, reaasemble, then clear all of it??

Or should I not take the chance, just reassemble the car and then clear coat with the flex agent added??

I am getting ready to shoot some color next weekend if it is warm enough. I am priming sheet metal and fiberglass tomorrow, so if you ahave any tips, let me know tonite!

Thanks guys

 

Yes the flex is only used so you can hang the parts on the car after spraying them, it does NOT stay in the paint forever like most people seem to think.

What I would do, is to spray the edges of everything you are doing with the panels off, like under the rockers, the front edge of the fenders, etc, then assemble the car but dont tighten everything up, put something between the fender and bumper cover, etc so the parts have some gap, then paint the whole thing, then you dont have to handle all your painted stuff and scratch it up a bunch just remove whatever spacers you put in and tighten it all up.

 

I second all of that. Either that or jamb everything, assemble it, line it all up, tighten it, then spray away. I've actually gone into the local PPG distributor to buy flex and had them tell me don't bother , it's not worth it. I've also had a couple other paint companies tell me the same thing, one actually told me he doesn't even stock it and wouldn't order it because he said "it's not worth it"

 

If I remember correctly, flex agent is only added to the clearcoat anyhow, that info straight off my PPG sheet for their Omni system.

Mathius

 

I will stay calm about this and reiterate...MOST paint companies now have a TRUE resin flex agent that DOES stay in the paint. AND IT is a necessity if you want the parts to last as long as the paint does on the rest of the vehicle.
Please do not mistake what the JOBBER, or seller of the paint would tell you, they aren't the "paint company". The best thing to do is get the P-pages out, ad see what the MANUFACTURER would reccommend.
Flex belongs in all catalized materials, Primer, sealer and clear.
It takes longer to dry and it sprays differently, so be careful.
It USED TO BE the case that yes, they were actually a retarding agent to slow the drying times, to allow for assembly.
Do what you will with the information, I only try to educate the do-it-yourselfer.
And please people, try not to propigate the myth if you don't really know.

 

Reading (again) thru the cut sheet on the clear, it gives me a separate ratio for mixing to spray flexible parts. They are reducing the amount of hardener that goes in the clear (from 4 paint :2 reducer :2 hardener to 4:2:1). The cut sheet on the basecoat reads, "DBU does not require a flexible additive."

I have everything primed. I need to sand that coat, reprime, sand again, and then shoot the paint. I think I will shoot the jambs, then hang the parts on loosely, as suggested, and tighten when the paint cures. (The whole front end is off the car). Spray the color and clear with the car together.

If anyone else wants to add, feel free.

Thanks for the help!