The Basics of Paint

So after much time of realizing that i have no knowledge about paints, i figured id ask about it on hear.
I never understood the differences from the normal cans of paint and enamels. Is there benfits of using an enamel over basic paint? Thats all i can really say though for now because i cant think of anything else, but id love to hear about everybodys knowledge about paint and of the topic. Also what kinds of paint are good for use on a specific part of a tractor compared to using a different type.

I have a basic knowledge of paint I guess though I mostly rattlecan so from my experience: enamels are harder than your regular paint when dry and dry to a glossy finish some require primer and all that fun stuff but others dont (read the label) basic paints you can pretty much just spray on anything and hope for the best they can be in a variety of finishes gloss to matte and can be sprayed on pretty much anything. basic paints usually require a clear coat to achieve a nice hard skin.

so enamels pretty much regular paint with clear coat in it?

@camomanusa wrote:

so enamels pretty much regular paint with clear coat in it?

Yep enamel paint has clear coat in it but you can put clear coat on top of the enamel paint for more protection but its not necessary

I'd use enamel for tractor stuff most of your tractor companies do now a days I think

Before I say anything else- I am a painter by trade.

"Enamel" is a general term, used to describe the "hardness" of a coating. I gotta be honest here- this "clear" thing, is a new one on me.

Maybe there ought to be a writeup/informational/how-to post about painting?

Doc if you do a write up on how to get better adhesion for tractors I will uhhh... not post awkward sentences?

Hehehehe... LOL- Sorry...

I suppose a write-up could be done. But at the most basic level- you're not gonna believe this- read the label! Yup. Scary, huh?

They all tell you to have the surface clean, and free of dirt, oil, grease, etc. Loose, cracked, or peeling paint should be scraped and sanded off, etc. When, and with what product to prime, temperature, humidity, etc- it's all there on the label!

Aww heck... Maybe I WILL do something...

Should do a basic level a intermediate and a semi pro level :p

Getting whatever your painting clean before you spray it is important, which has already been mentioned. You can get special cleaner for that which you wipe on with a clean rag. I don't like to touch the parts before spraying them because some times the oils from your skin will mess things up. Temperature can be an issue if it's extremely cold or really hot in direct sun light. Like Doc said, that's on the label. I've had a lot of trouble with humidity. Mostly with black paint. If it's really humid out (such as a hot day right after a rain) the black turns gray when it drys. I couldn't figure out why for quite a while. But...I guess that's why.