MotorCoater Instructions
To achieve expert results, please take the time to carefully read and understand the following directions before you begin your restoration project. These directions are meant to be general guidelines only and do not cover every application or environmental situation. If you have remaining questions or concerns, please call us toll-free for technical assistance.
ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES. ALWAYS WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA. Please read warnings and caution notices on all products.
Importance of Surface Preparation
A common mistake is to think that detailed surface preparation is for overachievers, when it actually means the difference between poor results and results that can last generations. Corrosion and organic contamination will block and inhibit any coating from deeply penetrating and permanently adhering to the engine. Simply put, the cleaner the surface using AquaKlean, the more effective RustBlast will work and the deeper Motor Coater will penetrate into the pores to seal and protect your engine.
FOR BEST END RESULTS, Surfaces must be dry and free of dust, dirt, oil, grease, wax and other contaminants that would adversely affect paint adhesion. Newly sandblasted surfaces are the ideal choice for direct Motor Coater applications and require no other prep beyond blowing off the loose dust. Be sure to handle with gloves to avoid contaminating the surface with oily fingerprints. Please note that plastic media, bead or soda-blasted surfaces do not provide the adequate amount of abrasion needed for direct Motor Coater application and will require Step #2 RustBlast for further etching. For all other applications, simply follow the KBS Prep System below. Always allow products & surfaces to adjust to room temperature before prepping & painting.
STEP 1. Aquaklean Cleaning Surface
Wire brush and/or wire wheel surface, to achieve a solid surface profile. Alternately you could sand using a 320 grit paper. After removing all loose paint & flaking rust, it is necessary to remove all surface contamination. Slight residues of grease, oil or even fingerprints can ruin any good paint job. DO NOT use a solvent based cleaner which will leave harmful residues. Begin by diluting the AquaKlean concentrate with water. The warmer the water, the more effective and powerful the cleaning action of AquaKlean will be. Effective dilution rates will vary according to the type and degree of contaminants as well as surface materials. AquaKlean may be used in power sprayers for larger applications. For general purpose cleaning, apply liberally and scrub surface for 5-10 minutes. For heavy-duty cleaning, you can extend soaking time up to 24 hours or more as necessary. Use a bristle brush or scouring pad to expedite the cleaning of heavily soiled surfaces. Re-treat surface as necessary until clean. Rinse clear & let dry. Do not allow AquaKlean to dry on surface before rinsing with water. NOTE: Metal surfaces cleaned with AquaKlean should always be treated with RustBlast before painting to ensure proper adhesion.
For all alloys and non-ferrous metals, AquaKlean application times and dilution rates should be kept to a minimum due to the wide variations in these materials. For maximum performance, follow with RustBlast to remove surface rust, etch the metal, and leave a zinc phosphate coating (white powder residue) for superior Motor Coater adhesion. For new, smooth or shiny metal surfaces, it is recommend to lightly scuff with 120 grit sandpaper followed by the AquaKlean and RustBlast systems. For previously painted surfaces, you will need to remove all paint via chemical stripping followed by the AquaKlean and RustBlast systems. If unable to remove any or all paint from metal surfaces, lightly scuff with 400 grit sandpaper followed by AquaKlean.
STEP 2. Rustblast Surface Prep & Rust Removal
Ideal application temp range is between 13-28°C. FOR BEST END RESULTS, remember that the surface to be treated should be free of dirt, oil, grease and other contaminants as the cleaner the surface, the more effective RustBlast will work. Be sure to have scraped off any loose rust, mill scale, paint, etc. and cleaned the surface with AquaKlean, prior to using RustBlast. Liberally apply RustBlast FULL-STRENGTH to a CLEAN DRY SURFACE using a spray bottle, brush, roller or backpack sprayer for larger applications. Re-apply often to continually keep the surface wet for a minimum of 10 minutes for smooth or lightly rusted surfaces, 20-40 minutes for moderately rusted surfaces and 1-2 hours for heavily rusted or corroded surfaces. Use a scouring pad as needed. Do not allow RustBlast to dry on surface before rinsing. This avoids leaving too heavy of a zinc phosphate buildup which can adversely affect the sealing process. After treatment, rinse thoroughly with water and then allow surface to dry completely before coating. For removal of light corrosion or etching of non-ferrous metals (aluminum, brass, copper), prepare surface as above and apply RustBlast for 10-20 minutes then rinse thoroughly with water and then allow surface to dry completely. After treatment with RustBlast, a slight white powder residue may appear. This is a zinc phosphate coating which aids MotorCoater's adhesion. Items treated with RustBlast can remain uncoated for up to 30 days before sealing depending on environmental conditions.
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove every last speck of rust before applying Motor Coater. And some flash rust or orange staining may occur if surface was soaked and not dried immediately after using RustBlast. Either case, you are ready for coating with Motor Coater.
STEP 3. MotorCoater
Always work in a well ventilated area. Wear protective eyewear. Wear gloves to avoid skin contact and temporary staining. Ideal Motor Coater application temp range is 13°-28°C. Proper stirring of Motor Coater is very important for the best uniform sheen & finish. Stir Motor Coater thoroughly for several minutes to obtain even colour mixture. Effective stirring includes repeatedly touching bottom of can & lifting to disperse any settled pigments and/or matting agents. Placing paint can upside down for a short time before opening & stirring will aid with proper mixing. An upside down can may also be gently shaken prior to stirring. Avoid violent or excessive shaking motions which can introduce air bubbles and adversely affect the finish. Do not substitute shaking for stirring. For the best end results, continue to stir often during the course of painting. Thinning may be required for some spray applications. Reduce 5%-10% if needed using KBS #1 Thinner only, which is a slow evaporating solvent.
Apply Motor Coater to clean, dry & prepped surfaces using a bristle brush, foam brush, roller or spray equipment. Motor Coater has good self-levelling characteristics. Brush marks will flow out nicely. SPRAYING: FOLLOW ALL CAUTION & WARNING NOTICES WHEN SPRAYING. Spray pressures of 250-330kpa for siphon/pot guns and 170-250kpa for gravity/top container guns are recommended. Thinning is not generally required but if needed 5%-10% is normally adequate. Use KBS #1 Thinner only which is a slow evaporating solvent.
In most cases, a single full coat of Motor Coater will cover completely with full color depth. If desired, a second coat can be applied once the first coat is dry-to-the-touch and does not leave a fingerprint. Average cure times are 2-4 hours, however depending on humidity & temperature levels, dry times may vary. As with most paints, two thin coats are better than one heavy coat. NOTE: Do not apply Motor Coater in thick or heavy coats. Do not apply additional coats before previous coat has dried to the touch.
Clean Up
Use KBS #1Thinner or lacquer thinner for immediate clean up including your spray gun.
IMPORTANT: Always wear protective gloves to avoid skin contact. If skin contact accidentally occurs, remove with #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner followed by soap and water.