Paint Fisheye, Lionel Legacy SD40 repaint

Fish eyes are a result of a contaminant either on top, or imbedded in an un-properly prepared surface. The problem becomes worse if applying a top coating to thick. Applying primer over a surface possibly contaminated with whatever is a band aid and will come back to haunt you. When doing spot repairs on cab roofs, etc, there’s usually smoke fluid imbedded in the paint that normal soap and water won’t thoroughly remove,….my trick is to use Ajax powder and water, mixed into a slurry, and scrub the panel I’m working on,….this will kill two birds with one stone, it will properly clean the panel, and it will scuff the area ready for coating. Ajax mixed into a slurry is the equivalent of 1000 grit, ideal for model work,…if still gunshy about respraying, apply the first coat light and uniform, and allow that coat to flash off,……BTW, I hate rattle cans,…they make me vomit,…😉

Pat

Hi Pat

I know you hate rattle cans, that's why I confessed up front.

The engine is new, so no smoke unless from a factory test (if there is such a thing).

I'll do the Ajax scrub, as I have actually done similar before.

Just thought a good finish would be a good start.

Do I need a dish soap wash after the Ajax?  I would think so but thought I'd ask.

@NHVRYGray posted:

Do I need a dish soap wash after the Ajax?  I would think so but thought I'd ask.

I don’t, …a THOROUGH rinse, and wipe with a paper towel, let thoroughly dry, and you’re good to go,,..I use the same tooth brush to do the rinse,…..just don’t leave a dry film of cleanser behind,….no need to add another ingredient into the process,….I like work with one and done products,….not a big fan of hoop jumping,……😉

Pat

@NHVRYGray posted:

Hi Pat

I know you hate rattle cans, that's why I confessed up front.

The engine is new, so no smoke unless from a factory test (if there is such a thing).

I'll do the Ajax scrub, as I have actually done similar before.

Just thought a good finish would be a good start.

As far as it being new, you never know who had what on their hands when your new locomotive was boxed up,….lots of environmental things could’ve happened after they painted it, and you received it,….who knows, maybe the person on the packaging line just got finished eating an entire pepperoni pizza,….dripping in oil,..and didn’t quite get their hands clean,….so then they grab their nice white gloves, with their oily paws,…..and imbed it in your roof,….🤣🤣🤣

Pat

Pat

Everything has been scrubbed with Ajax and thoroughly rinsed.  Drying in a warming oven now.  I took notice of the rinse and the water was not beading on the surfaces.

Do I need a primer coat or I think I understood that the Ajax scrub should provide an adhesion surface.

Gray