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GENERAL INFORMATION

Flakes may be added to any of our SHIMRIN® Universal Bases, Kandys, Clears or Kustom Bases. We offer flakes in five grain sizes:

• 1/64 inch Flake (the most difficult to use)
• MinI Flake (comes on fast with greatly reduced surface roughness)
• Ultra-Mini Flake (3 sizes, easy to apply and smoothes out with topcoats)
  

Built from ultra thin polyester, our flakes are the lightest and easiest to use. The mini and ultra-mini flakes have the brilliance of a much larger flake, combining the ultimate in a flake look and ease of use.

1. MIXING FLAKES

For maximum reflectivity and ease of use, we recommend adding Flakes directly to the clear and spraying over the base coat. Flakes may be added to any of our Kustom or Kosmic Clears, including SG-100 Intercoat Clear. Use SG-100 over SHIMRIN® Universal Bases only. The color of your base coat will determine how much flake to use. The following chart is a guide for proper mixing.

NOTE: On large objects, use a reducer (or thinner) on the slow side to allow the flakes to flow into the clear, for better leveling and reduced roughness.

NOTE: When mixing straight clear to be sprayed over flake to bury it, use a faster reducer.

NOTE: Flakes may also be added (in small amounts) to any of our SHIMRIN® Bases, Kustom Bases, and to first coats of Kustom and Kosmic Kandys. A great place for creativity. (Do not add Flakes to UB-4, UB-5, BC-25 or BC-26 as these high pigmented bases will diminish the flakes.)

2. APPLYING FLAKES

WHEN USING LARGE FLAKES - BE SURE YOUR SPRAY GUN HAS A LARGE ENOUGH FLUID TIP TO ALLOW PASSAGE OF THE FLAKE.

Strain the paint into the paint gun, then add the Flake. Air pressure 35 psi (lacquer) and 45 psi (urethane) at the gun. Apply 1-3 medium coats with 50% pattem overlap. Gun distance while spraying should be 4-6 inches. If Flake is sprayed too far away from the vehicle, dryness can occur which can be difficult to smooth out. Walk long objects. Allow flash time between coats.

NOTE: DO NOT APPLY MORE THAN 3 COATS. Succeeding coats add greatly to increased surface roughness and will require more clear and sanding to smooth out.

3. KANDY COAT (optional)

Once you are satisfied with the flake application, allow flash time, then topcoat with 1-3 coats of Clear. Let dry ovemight and D.A. sand with 240 sandpaper the next day. Be careful of high points and edges, as it is easy to sand through and ruin all you have done. Air and tack. Then begin Kandy coats. Follow label instructions. See appropriate tech sheets for Kandy application.

NOTE: When using 1/64 inch Silver Flake (only) you may simply sand with 180 sandpaper and a washing motion to knock down standing flakes; then begin topcoats. Do not use this method with colored flakes as the color is easily sanded off. Silver is the true flake color.

4. CLEAR COAT

FOR ACRYLIC LACOUER PAINT JOBS:

Allow flash time before top coating with clear. Apply 5-7* coats of C-1 or SC-1 CLEAR. See tech sheet for clear coat application.

NOTE: The normal critical dry time of 48 hours is not a problem with Flakes. You may re-coat at any time with no fear of line checking or crows feet.

*NOTE: Flake size, Kandy coat, application expertise, thinner, etc. will determine the number of clear coats required. Sand between every 5-7 coats.

For Urethane Enamel Finishes:

Allow flash time before top coating with clear. Paint should be sticky and not string when touched at the wettest point before next coat is applied. (When using the touch test always touch a new spot.) Monitor religiously for maximum merging of coats.

Apply 2-4* coats of our UC-1 or UC-35 Clear. See tech sheet for clear coat applIcation. Do not use SG-100 as a topcoat clear.

*NOTE: Flake size, Kandy coat, application expertise, thinner, etc. will determine the number of clear coats required.

5. COLOR SANDING & REFLOW

FOR 1/64 INCH SILVER FLAKE AND RAINBOW FLAKE:

Use D.A. Sander with 400-500 dry sandpaper to begin smoothing the paint job. Hold D.A. at eye level and spin pad. It should not wobble, but spin true. Avoid high points, edges or any area where you might sand through.

NOTE: D.A. color sanding requires practice and a true sandpaper pad.

Air and tack. Re-clear. Wet sand with 400 or 500 grit sandpaper for final clear coats.

FOR MINI FLAKE AND ULTRA-MINI FLAKE:

Color sand and finish with normal methods. See tech sheet on Polishing & Finishing for Instructions.

6. POLISHING

Allow a Flake job to dry down before polishing, usually 30 days minimum (in temperatures of 70-80°F). As the paint dries, it shrinks down around the Flakes and if you polish too soon you may wind up polishing again after the dry down. In winter months, it may take 60-90 days or more for dry down. If possible, let the paint bake in the sun for a good cure before polishing.

Color sand; if rough, start with 600 grit. Finish color sanding with 1200 to 2000 grit. See tech sheet on Polishing & Finishing for more Information.

CAUTIONS

Read Cautions and Warnings on all product can labels. Wear eye protection and approved respirator based on the type of paint the Flake is mixed into. The polyester flakes offer no hazard in dry form, but when sprayed may enter eyes, nose, throat or lungs if proper protection is not worn.