Paint: reducer and cleaner

[Radsman]

I have a full can of Dupont Centuri acrylic enamel that is slightly thick. I can't seem to Find a dealer around here and I need a compatible reducer and something for clean-up. What could I use. Sorry I don't know much about paint.

thx

[52 Ragtop]

When I learned to paint with Centauri, the "correct" reducer that I was told is 8522S, BUT, we always used 3812S it dried faster (less runs) <G> and is more user friendly. I don't remember if the hardener was the 793, not sure on that one.

Jim

[Bob Andrews]

You probably tried a Google search, which has mountains of info, but didn't find anything since you spelled it wrong. Search Centari and you'll find lots of links. Here's one:

http://www.ehow.com/how_7859943_prepare-centari-acrylic-enamel-autos.html

The link shows some reducer numbers, but as Jim said, we mostly used the 3812. For cleanup, any enamel reducer should be fine.

I sprayed my share of Centari. Didn't think there was any left around! It's a low-quality paint that we used on work trucks and cheapo cars, designed for fleet use. If you don't add hardener it will turn to chalk pretty quickly, within a year or so IIRC.

With the new Urethanes, I wouldn't use Centari on anything of much value. Good for painting a Lark, maybe<GG>

[52 Ragtop]

Not sure about the "low quality" that you mention, I sprayed my Avanti with it in 1981, and when I painted it again last year, it still looked ok from 10 feet.
Yes, I would probably only use a ureathane anymore, and (my opinion) "I" would only use base coat clear coat, but that's me!

Jim

[Bob Andrews]

Jim, we used to "hot-paint" with Dulux enamel, then when Centari came along we went with that for cheapie overall paintjobs. If it was a high-end job it got Imron. Am I dating myself?

The 80s live!!! <G>

[COMMANDERPINK1]

I too would not call Centari low quality, Sprayed many a car with it in its day, and not sure as the availability of it now since going to Dupont and PPG clear coat color coat. The best results I ever had with Centari was when they develop the A & B convertor for it which made it a urethane type material, A buddy and me painted his Ambassador with it, prep consisted of only a bucket of soapy water and red scotch brites. The real challenge was to keep from slicing your hand open with all the rust, but that car looked beautiful for years.
Tom