Best painting practices when it comes to big areas!

[GardnerNed]

Bit of advice required, it's come that time where the locos at Embsay are looking a bit shabby and have done for a while, when it comes to the bigger engines 31/ 37 ect... what are the best ways? brush/ spray/ roller/ roller then lay off with brush.
Last time we used a roller and it looks crap!

[31403]

Brush is best mate.
But after this weekend you probably know that!

[Ted]

Yep brush is the best. Speak to your C&W Manager who has a fair bit of experience and should point you in the right direction.

[056]

Paint round the bolt heads/rivets, metal strips first with a brush reasonably thinly, but enough to cover

I have (through trial and error) found apply the Undercoat/Gloss coat with one of those small radiator foam rollers (from B&Q or Wickes) on a small(ish) area from roof line to solebar and quickly followed this by using a decent finishing brush going over recently applied coat to from roof line to sole bar to give a good finish.

I have only ever painted outside so far, so wait for it to dry and hardened then wipe over it to get rid of all of those bloody flys who decided to stick to your handywork, Grrrr

[5Z50]

Ask Midi to do it. That's the best way! He's the main man on the brush!!

[Aureol]

Brush is best mate.
But after this weekend you probably know that!

I'm disappointed in you Warren!

Yes, I would recommend a brush finish. Go around the fiddly areas first, such as nuts and bolts, embellishments (unless these are removed), grabrails, grilles etc with a small brush, then do the main areas with a nice big one to give a good (virtually) brush mark-free finish.

[D402]

Depends on the paint and temperature..... Recently painted large areas with a decent brush and pleased with the finish. Tried the small foam roller and brushing it out but it was too hot to do that. The bodyside doors were rollered vertically, then horizontally and then brushed out vertically and have a lovely glossy finish.

Buy decent quality paint and spend as much time as possible with the body prep, sanding, filling, sanding, filling, sanding etc etc

[31144]

Looks like we are going to be busy Dan

[Aureol]

Looks like we are going to be busy Dan

Go for it!
Just think of and feel sorry for me, my next major project is to repaint 50007's roof before it ventures to Wansford....or preferrably even Loughborough! Ohhh good times!

[31144]

Bit of advice required, it's come that time where the locos at Embsay are looking a bit shabby and have done for a while, when it comes to the bigger engines 31/ 37 ect... what are the best ways? brush/ spray/ roller/ roller then lay off with brush.
Last time we used a roller and it looks crap!

Looks like we need a fookin big brush then bruv

[D5185]

Is that the sort with a 4 foot long handle!!!

[7lda]

Williamsons recommend for their Spec 81 paints; apply each coat of primer, undercoat and gloss with a foam roller, followed by a lick over with a decent wide brush. Light rub down between primer-u/c-gloss.
Do not thin! Especially not with white spirit becuase the gloss will go streaky.
If you choose to varnish; apply with foam roller/ followed by brush after 24h less than 7 days of applying gloss. Do not flat or do anything than remove dust/ insects etc

[Shuntadun]

There is a company called stationary engine parts. They do a paint type consistent with a very old recipey. It still has lead in it!!!!!! I have found it to cover fantastic and it remains mobile on the surface for a long time allowing for it to be brushed out for a great Finnish. I think the tec term is " it has a long wet edge. The gloss is fantastic too.
Well worth getting a half litre and trying it. I think u will like it.
Mike

[StoneRoad]

Agree with doing fiddly bits first ... but feather the edge.

Sorry, but you do need to thin paint, several thin coats of gloss are better than one thick one, brush marks will be less obvious ... use as big a brush as you find comfortable and keep a wet edge at all times. Put on and brush out then immediately, finally lay off vertically with a light touch. If the paint drags, it is either too thick or started to skin over already, if not gone off too much a brushful of thinners should sort it (otherwise sand back when dry). Watch out for runs and curtains, these are worse with paint too thick or far too thin.
Don't paint "in the sun" or on a very hot day, you will not be able to keep the wet edge. Morning outside provided the dew has lifted, evening shift - flies / dust and dew ...
If you have enough people, then tag-team - one applying / brush out then laying off in turn over relatively small areas. Don't over-stretch. Did this tag-team method for a dark blue boat hull !

My experience is mainly based on wooden carriage painting, and I'm currently using craftmaster instead of Williamsons.