Do-it yourself paint jobs - SUCCESSFUL?

[Nickrc3]

I posted some earlier threads within this forum regarding my interest in performing a custom paint job to a replacement set of tins.

My question regards the practically of performing this task, and whether a really decent paint job can be achieved without the luxury of a spray booth or temperture-controlled environment.

I've painted several cars back in the early eighties while serving for Uncle Sam and been painting scale military paint schemes on large-scale, radio-controlled model airplanes since 88'.
I have all the necessary equipment, 80-gal. vertical compressor, air tools etc. and familiar with the basecoat/clearcoat systems, which is all I use on the models. My concern is the painting environment. I suit-up well from head-to-toe w/ respirator and spray within a 'wetted' screen porch. Any dust or other imperfections within the finish are usually sanded/buffed out. Of course, a fiberglassed cloth/resin balsa structure is alot more foregiving in hiding flaws than a motorcycle tank and fenders.
So, have you guys successfully sprayed the iso's in similar environments, especially the clears? What about the metal flakes or pearls? Tricky stuff and not recommended for the backyard sprayer? Other options are to locate a rental spray booth.

Appreciate your comments.

NICK

[kustom_flames]

Ideally a spray booth is the way to go...though you can probably get a decent result doing it yourself, as long as you have some paint experience and are aware of the issues that can arise in a non-controlled environment. You seem like you have both, so it may work out for you. I would say down there in Miami your biggest enemey could be the humidity, so buy the appropriate reducers (usually slower drying reducers). Remember wetting the floor will also increase humidity...

[sam sam the mex]

ya i had to redo mine in spots a couple of time cuz as soon as i hung it up to dry in the garage a bug would fly right in to it!! after the 2nd time i had built a tent over it and had no problems with bugs!!!

[geoff1200]

Base/clear is pretty bullet proof, 90% of the job is prep. Have fun or you're doing it WRONG!

[kustom_flames]

Well, also technique too...clear coat will tend to run easier in humid conditions if applied too 'wet'.