The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

I have a Volvo with painted alloys but I don't like the colour. I want to spray them silver with ideally a clear topcoat.

I have a small compressor with a spray gun.

What paint can I use without killing myself . I see I can get water based base coat but I think the clear will be harmful.

Any suggestions ?

The only thing you can really spray at home without doing yourself some damage is cellulose, the new water based paints I have found to be a bit of a pain.

If you want to do your alloys yourself then you don't really need a paint gun and compressor, in fact it's probably more of a faf. I can recommend this paint from Wurth, I have had good results with this over the years, in fact I painted my old VR6's wheels with it and they looked better than new.

James

Thanks James.

Will this do 4 wheels ok going over the original paint and would you recommend a primer first ?

I did also think of cans and don't understand why you seem to be able to spray with these, especially the lacquer, but not with tinned paint in a gun.

I think I may try these though, as you say it's less hassle.

An Acrylic clearcoat will not hurt you (or the environment) too much. Most rattle cans these days are acrylic. 2 pack in flat colours and laquer is a no-no since it contains isocyanates but oddly, metallic basecoat in 2 pack doesn't! So, you can use a 2 pack silver basecoat with an acrylic laquer over it without killing either yourself or the little fluffy bunnies (this does work, i've done it!) Just work in a well ventilated spot!

Steve