New to spraying - which paint ?

[billm]

I've just started restoring a 50's Sunbeam Talbot 2 seater roadster car ( web link is on my profile) that I've had for 30 years in dry storage and as you can guess it is going to be a big nut & bolt body off project.

Although I'm Ok with mechanical stuff, I need to learn bodywork skills such as sheet metal forming, MIG, painting etc to keep the costs down. So to that end I've registered with a local community college on a 1 year course that covers all those things. Its the type of course that allows you to work on your own stuff, panels etc, as well as the mandatory course work. So this sounds good to me.

However, when I was asking about the paint shop they have I mentioned I was going to finish the car in cellulose paint. I was told that they don't use cellulose as they now have to use water-based paints ??

I know nothing about the different types of car paints so this leads to further questions:

1. what is the finish like on these type of paints and are they suitable for my car ?

2. although I will be able to spray the panels seperately at college as I finish the metal work repairs, I will have to spray the rest of the body at home as the project progresses. Can I do that with these types of paints and still get a good finish ?

3. the finish colour I have to use is very difficult to find. It was an ICI paint called Saphire Blue made specifically for the 1952-5 Sunbeam Talbot cars. I know a guy in the club has got a paint suppler to mix the exact colour after many attempts but it is only available in Cellulose. So if I have to use this water based paint method at college how would I get an exact match assuming I can get a tin of his Saphire Blue Cellulose to use as a colour guide ( and no the paint supplier won't release the formula he used to make the colour ) Or can I get a good match off a sprayed panel if i can borrow one ?

4. Or should I forget about finishing the top coat in college and do everything in cellulose at home using his paint ?

5. or should I do it in 2-pack at home although i understand alot of eqpt is required and its very hazardous so this may not be feasible/practical

sorry bout all the questions but I dont want to start off down a route and regret it all later and then have to strip the paint off.

cheers

Edited by billm on Thursday 31st August 07:23

[wildoliver]

1. Totally unsuitable for a classic car. Need to use celly or acrylic.

2. Spray it all at home using Celly.

3. Any good paint shop should match it.

4.Yes.

5. No.

Come Jan Celly will not be available from paint shops so get your paint now and enough to cover any damage later.

[billm]

cheers, that sounds like the best idea.

How many litres of Cellulose would it take for a full respray topside, inside and underneath. If you look at my profile there is a link showing a photo of the car - but think of it the same size as a UK Black Cab .. there or there abouts.

thanks