A couple weeks ago I posted that I had won an ebay auction for some military surplus camo-grey 2-part polyurethane paint. I had a chance to mix a small batch and try it on a scrap left over from a glassed bulkhead. Here's the result:

The scrap was sanded smooth on one side, and unsanded on the other (just the wet-out coat, weave still showing). The label on the can said self-priming, so I thought I try it on bare epoxy.

I used the straw technique to meter a small batch (thanks to whoever suggested that once). I lifted the respirator off my face to see if the stuff was horrible, and it was. (Definitely a out-in-the-garage paint) I didn't use any type of thinner - I have no clue what the recommended thinner would be. I quickly brushed half of both sides of the sample scrap and rushed it an the mixing cup out to the garage to dry.

A couple hours later I went back out to check on it, and it was completely dry - there was a small run along the edge which I could dent with my thumbnail, but otherwise it was dry. I tried scratching it at the paint boundary, but this stuff was tenacious and I couldn't scrape anything off. It adhered very well to both surfaces, which was encouraging because I might use it on the interior of the cockpit area (and it's difficult to sand in there now).

On the textured face, the paint completely covered with the single coat. On the smooth side, there are brush marks that are thin and I can just see the wood color showing through. Using a roller and applying 2 coats ought to provide a total coverage easily.

Couple of questions:

1. What's a good way to meter a 3-4 oz batch? Working with a gallon can is a difficult, and the best I could come up with is either use a couple of syringes or a couple small measuring cups to dip-in.

2. From what I've described, is this pretty typical of 2-part paints? This is my first experience.

3. I don't know if a thinner will be necessary - it seemed to apply fine without it. But, what's the chances of another mfgr's 2-part thinner being compatible (e.g., Interlux brushing thinner - 233N?)

4. From what I've read in Interlux's painting guide (does anyone else think this booklet is scattered and disorganized?), I can't apply 2-part paint over 1-part. But, I think I can apply 1-part over 2-part, right?

Thanks in advance,

Ross