Spraying Nason Base Coats: Mastering The Art Of Even Coverage (2025)

Spraying a Nason base coat is a time-consuming process, but it can be done at home to rejuvenate the finish of a car. It involves preparing the surface by stripping the car, washing it, roughing up the finish with sandpaper, and masking any areas that you don't want to paint. After this, you can apply the Nason primer, followed by the base coat, which needs to be mixed with a paint activator and paint thinner or reducer. This can be applied using either aerosol cans or a paint sprayer.

Preparing the surface

Put on Protective Gear:

Start by putting on protective gear, including gloves, safety goggles, a respirator, and a disposable paint suit. If you are working in an enclosed space, such as a garage, ensure there is adequate ventilation by keeping the door open or setting up an exhaust fan to protect yourself from paint fumes.

Wash the Car:

Mix two tablespoons of car soap with warm water in a bucket. Use a tack cloth to wash your car, dipping it into the soap solution. It is important to remove all dirt and grime before painting to ensure a smooth finish.

Rough Up the Finish:

Use 400-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface of the car. This process helps create a rough texture, allowing the Nason base coat to adhere better. After sanding, wipe down the car again to remove any dust or particles.

Mask Off Areas Not to be Painted:

Use masking tape to cover any areas you do not want to paint, such as windshields, windows, and rubber strips. This step ensures that only the intended surfaces are painted, giving your car a neat and professional finish.

Apply Nason Primer:

Apply a coat of Nason primer to the surfaces you plan to paint. You can use an aerosol can or a paint sprayer, following the mixing instructions on the product. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the "flash time" recommended by the manufacturer.

By following these steps, you will effectively prepare the surface of your car for spraying Nason base coat. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and always prioritize your safety when working with paints and chemicals.

Mixing the base coat

Firstly, it is important to understand the mixing ratio recommended by Nason Finishes. The ratio is 8:1/2:4, which translates to 8 parts of Nason base coat paint, 1/2 part of base coat activator, and 4 parts of base coat reducer. This ratio is essential to ensure the paint mixture has the correct consistency and can be sprayed effectively without clogging your spray equipment.

When measuring out the components, always use the ounce scale on your mixing cup for accuracy. For smaller quantities, consider using 1-ounce cups for the activator. For example, if you need a small amount of paint for a touch-up, you can mix 2 ounces of paint, 1 ounce of reducer, and 1/8 ounce of activator. This will ensure you have the correct proportions and avoid wasting paint.

It is generally recommended to mix one coat at a time, especially if you are working on a small project or touch-ups. This ensures that you have fresh paint and avoids any issues with the paint drying or settling during the application process. However, if you are painting a larger surface or an entire vehicle, you may need to mix a larger batch to maintain consistency throughout the project.

When mixing the base coat, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines. Wear protective gear, including gloves and safety goggles, to safeguard yourself from any paint chemicals. Ensure the work area is well-ventilated or set up a paint booth with an exhaust fan to maintain a healthy working environment.

Once you have measured out the correct proportions, it's time to mix the components. Start by adding the base coat paint to your mixing cup, followed by the activator and reducer. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all the components are evenly combined. If you are using a spray gun, pour the mixed paint into the gun and set it to the recommended nozzle size, typically between 1.4 mm and 1.6 mm for Nason base coat application.

Remember that proper mixing is critical to achieving a high-quality finish. Failure to mix the paint correctly can result in clogged spray equipment and an uneven paint application. Always take your time and follow the recommended mixing ratios for the best results.

Using spray paint

Once you are prepared and ready to paint, follow these steps:

• Wash your car: Use a tack cloth dipped in a mixture of warm water and car soap to remove all grime and dirt. This step is crucial, as any particles left on the car's surface can get trapped in the finish, affecting the smooth appearance of your paint job.
• Prepare the surface: Use 400-grit sandpaper to roughen the finish of your car. This process helps the Nason base coat adhere better. After sanding, wipe down the exterior of the car again to remove any residual particles.
• Mask off areas you don't want to paint: Use masking tape to cover areas such as windshields, windows, and rubber strips.
• Mix the base coat: Following the manufacturer's recommendations, mix the Nason base coat with a paint activator and paint thinner or reducer. The suggested ratio is 8:1/2:4 (8 parts Nason base coat to 1/2-part base coat activator to 4 parts base coat reducer). Improper mixing can clog your spray gun. If you are using aerosol cans, the paint should already be correctly mixed.
• Prepare your spray paint: If using an aerosol can, shake the paint can for two minutes to ensure the paint is thoroughly mixed. If using a paint sprayer, pour the mixed Nason base coat into the sprayer. Adjust the spray gun settings following the manufacturer's instructions (Nason Finishes recommends setting the gun to 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm for both gravity-feed and siphon-style spray guns).
• Spray the car: Hold the spray gun or aerosol can 8 to 10 inches from the surface of the car and move your hand evenly back and forth. Apply an even layer of paint, being careful not to apply too much, as this can cause dripping.
• Allow the paint to dry: Follow the "flash time" guidelines on the paint can for drying times between coats. Typically, the base coat requires about 15 minutes of drying time before applying a second coat.
• Apply a second coat: Once the first coat has flashed, apply a second coat in the same manner as the first.
• Let the base coat dry: Allow the base coat to dry for at least 15 minutes before moving on to the next step, which is typically the application of a clear coat.

Remember to always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions when working with spray paint and automotive coatings.

Spraying the car

Before you begin spraying your car, make sure you are wearing protective gear, including gloves, safety goggles, a respirator, and a disposable paint suit. It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area, such as outside, in a paint booth, or a garage with the door open.

Once you are properly equipped and in a suitable location, you can start by washing your car with a mixture of car soap and warm water to remove any dirt or grime. After washing, use 400-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface of your car, which will help the Nason base coat adhere better. Remember to wipe down the car again to remove any particles created during the sanding process.

Next, mask off any areas you do not want to paint, such as windshields, windows, and rubber strips, using masking tape. This will protect these areas from accidental paint spray.

Now, it's time to prepare your Nason base coat for spraying. Mix the base coat with a paint activator and paint thinner or reducer, following the recommended ratio of 8:1/2:4 (or 8 parts of Nason base coat to 1/2-part base coat activator to 4 parts base coat reducer). Improper mixing can clog your spray gun, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully. If you are using aerosol cans, the paint should already be properly mixed.

When your paint is ready, you can start spraying your car. Hold the spray gun or aerosol can about 8 to 10 inches away from the surface of the car and move your hand evenly back and forth. Be careful not to apply too much paint, as this can cause dripping. Work in thin, even layers to achieve the best results.

Allow the base coat to dry for the recommended "flash time," which is usually about 15 minutes, before applying a second coat in the same manner. If needed, you can apply additional coats, especially for colours that are difficult to cover. Just make sure to follow the recommended flash-off times between coats.

Drying the base coat

Once you have sprayed the Nason base coat, it is important to give it sufficient time to dry. The drying time will depend on the product you are using, so be sure to refer to the instructions on the paint can. Generally, Nason base coats have a flash time of about 15 minutes. This means that you should allow the base coat to dry for at least 15 minutes before applying a second coat or any additional layers.

It is crucial to follow the recommended drying times to ensure that your paint job turns out as expected. If you apply a second coat too soon, you may end up with paint drips or an uneven finish. After applying the second coat, allow it to dry for at least 15 minutes as well.

The drying time can be affected by the environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity. It is recommended to work in a well-ventilated area, such as outside, in a paint booth, or a garage with the door open. Ensure that there is low humidity and no chance of rain, as moisture can affect the paint's drying time.

While the base coat is drying, you can prepare for the next steps by cleaning your equipment and ensuring that the area remains well-ventilated. If you need to apply multiple coats, it is important to allow each coat to dry completely before moving on to the next one. Proper drying time will ensure that the paint adheres correctly and that you achieve the desired finish.

Once the final coat of the Nason base coat has been applied and allowed to dry, you can move on to the next steps in the painting process, such as applying a clear coat or sealant. Remember to follow the specific instructions for those products as well, including their recommended drying times, to achieve the best results for your project.

Frequently asked questions