66 gauge cluster paint

[Robert T.]

I'm looking for the "correct" paint to use on my gauge cluster. The "bible" says semi-gloss, but that seems awful shiny. The semi flat seems too flat. Maybe I'm just using the wrong type of paint, not the wrong gloss. Is there an agreed upon standard that I should be using? Thanks for any help.

Bob

[Jack H.]

Fire up your browser...

and navigate to www.autocolorlibrary.com. Instead of telling the menu that you've got a '66 Chevy, LIE and tell it you own a '65. You're doing this because their library contains more/less information from the PPG color chip set from year to year and there's no 'page two' info for '66 but it's there for '65!

You'll see a list of on page two of what paint, by blend code was used on what interior surfaces and you'll note the list is DIFFERENT for Chevy passenger cars vs. Corvette. Not only will you get the blend code for what was used on the instrument cluster, it'll tell you specific gloss factor to whip up.

Terms like flat, semi-flat, semi-gloss are USELESS as they're simply generic terms. Real painters mix & shoot based a 0-100 degree gloss scale and if memory serves, the PPG target is for a 3-degree gloss factor on the surface you're questioning....

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: Fire up your browser...

Bob,

------I have probably detailed and painted 50 or more clusters and as many glove box doors and black consoles over the years and dont think I have ever lost a point with Krylon Semi-gloss. Im having some brain fade as to weather they call it semi-flat or semi-gloss, but I believe they only have one semi black. I do shoot it a bit dry (can a bit distant from the part) but thats the only different thing I can think of. Hope this helps.........Bill S

[Patrick H.]

Re: 66 gauge cluster paint

I prefer the SEM Trim Paint in the "original" formula. It's been a dead-on match for the ones I've done, and I find it more durable than Krylon's semi-flat.

Patrick

[Richard S.]

Re: 66 gauge cluster paint

Krylon semi flat black is a perfect match....NOT semi gloss.

[Robert T.]

Re: 66 gauge cluster paint

Thanks everyone for the great info. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Looks like semi flat it is. Thanks for the Web site also.

Bob

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: 66 gauge cluster paint

Patrick,

-----I would venture to say that you are correct about the durability issue. It hasnt been much of an issue on the interior pieces mentioned, but under the hood and elsewhere I do find Krylons durability lacking.........Bill S

[Rick S.]

Re: 66 gauge cluster paint

Bill,
Painted the console on my 67 with Krylon and have not been impressed wih the durability. I am going to repaint it this winter and will give SEM Trim paint a try as Patrick suggested.
Rick