Rondex Blogs

Quality Autobody Supply & Equipment

Rondex — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:12:00 +0000

In need of quality autobody supply and equipment?

How Important is Color Matching to You?

Rondex — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:09:54 +0000

Here at Rondex we know the value of that perfect blend. You spend hours, days, weeks or even months looking for the perfect color. So, when it comes the time to touch up the paint work, we know how important color match is to you. Maybe you want to match the color to a product you own or have seen, but can’t find a paint that fits in with your vision. Don’t worry we are here to help.

At Rondex we have a specialist team in our color match department who will closely match our paint to your sample. We can work from a color panel, or even better, a piece of the product or material you would like us to match your color to. Failing that, there is always our extensive Pantone color deck to help you choose the right color for you. The in-house process takes no more than 10-20 minutes.

We assign a formula number to all our color matches, which is then stored in a database for a limited time. We like to give our customers the opportunity to place future orders using this system. You won’t even have to go through the process again, should you decide not to order right away; we provide you with a color label that holds all the information you will need for future orders.

Don’t worry about budget either; we have a paint that you can afford. We can provide you with paints that range in a number of sizes, which include Aerosol, Touch-Up Bottles, ½ Pint, Pint, Quart, Gallon and 5 Gallon. You won’t be spoiled for a type of paint either, as we can supply Base Coat/Clear Coats, Acrylic Enamels, Polyurethane, Urethane, and much more.

Refillable – Spray Bomb

Rondex — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:06:48 +0000

Using aerosols can produce great results, and it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. There are a couple of ways to make spray bombs work for your needs. The key to getting the most use out of your spray bomb is to apply thin, even coats. For best results you are looking to apply around .05 mils per coat. This is important in ensuring that you are getting the right amount of protection from your spray bomb project. The good news is, even when your spray bomb can is finished, you may be able to refill it.

You can have the aerosol filled with replacement paint; as long as it is compatible with the solvent, using custom equipment at the paint store. The aerosol still has the solvent in it and the propellant is simply compressed air. All you need to do now is choose your product and wait for the staff at the store to work their magic. The filling machine works by holding the aerosol in a press, then a funnel is pushed into the top of the tube where the nozzle is encased. The machine will fill the empty can with the replacement product; leaving you with a reusable spray bomb.

Another system uses replaceable propellant cans attached to a glass jar. The product works just like any other spray bomb. The pick-up line hangs from the bottom of the propellant can, and then threads into the jar containing the paint. Most products will work with this system, however some will require over-reducing to prevent the nozzle from clogging.

Spray Bomb Basics Tips

Rondex — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:02:14 +0000

An aerosol or spray bomb, basically works using compressed air as a propellant for the product in the can. One of the most common faults reported with this type of product is a clogged nozzle, which prevents the spray from coming out. Often times, those who purchase a spray bomb return the product in this instance, believing that it is faulty. However, there are a number of steps that will both prevent this from happening; and fix the problem should it already exist.

The first method is prevention. Using the spray bomb as instructed will ensure that the nozzle does not become clogged in the first place. Before attempting to use the spray bomb you must first prepare it. Take the can out of the packaging and shake it, as instructed. This is a boring and repetitive task, so you will be tempted to stop after 30 seconds or so. You need to fight that temptation and shake the can for the full 2 minutes. You can measure the time using your watch or a timer. Once this step is complete you can need to ensure the nozzle is clear. Turn the can upside down and spray. You should only see compressed air coming out of the can. Lastly, once you are finished using the spray bomb, turn the can upside down again and spray until only compressed air comes out of the nozzle. If you have a spray bomb can that you suspect is clogged, repeat this method to unclog the nozzle.

So, by following a process that takes no longer than 3 minutes; you have saved yourself the time and effort of going to the store; waiting at the refund desk; and having to make your way back home to complete the half finished job.

How to Clean Your Spray Gun

Rondex — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:57:43 +0000

Cleaning your spray gun is a relatively easy process. When done correctly, you can be sure that your spray gun will continue to perform for you well beyond your expectations. As always, observe health and safety when dealing with tools and solvent cleaners. Wear protective clothing and gloves, and ensure that all waste is disposed off using an appropriate and safe method.

Begin by disconnecting the supply air line from the spray gun; and then removing the PPS cup. You next need to run solvent through the fluid passage, which will take care of the internal cleaning of the spray gun. To do this, use a solvent filled squeeze bottle. Use the trigger to pump solvent into the PPS adaptor until it flows freely through the fluid passage. Repeatedly pulling the trigger back and forth will ensure a constant flow. Keep adding solvent until you see the stream become clear.

You can also clean your spray gun using an enclosed gun cleaner. In fact, in some regions it is mandatory. If in doubt, always check your state and local regulations to ensure you are using an approved cleaning method. Follow the instructions for the cleaner, ensuring that the gun is rinsed for the correct amount of time. Once the process is complete you will need to clean the external body of the gun. Do this by using a towel dampened with solvent and thoroughly cleaning the outside surface of the gun. Your gun is now clean and ready for reuse.

Autobody Tech Tip – Blend Panel Processing

Rondex — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:00:44 +0000

Clean the Repair Area
It is important to make sure your repair area is clean, when blend panel sanding. This is a two-step process. First of all use soap and water to clean surface dust and dirt away. Follow up by cleaning the surface a second time using a VOC compliant surface cleaner.

DA Sand Color Blend Area
You are now going to DA sand the area where the color blends, using a grade p800 abrasive disc and soft interface pad. If you use a primer surfacer you will achieve a better blend if you sand back into it.

DA Sand Adjacent Panels
Use a P1000 foam disc, soft interface pad and water, when you DA sand clear the blend area. This part of the process should continue until shiny spots are removed from the surface. Use the P1000 disc to finish off by hand sanding the edges.

Hand Sand Edges
For any areas that where difficult to reach with the P1000, use the P800 or a scuff pad. Once you are happy clean down the repair surface so you can inspect your work.

Final Touches
You are almost done; all that is left is cleaning, drying and a quality inspection. Use a VOC compliant cleaner on the finished repair surface. You can also use a surface cleaner recommended by the paint manufacturer. Blow-dry the repaired surface, closely inspecting your work for shiny spots. You may need to re-sand smaller areas, however, this will give you the perfect finish.

3M Masking Tech Tips Best Practice

Rondex — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 01:55:39 +0000

Prepare the Surface
Before you begin any masking job it is important to prepare the surface. The first step is to use a water-based cleaner on the repair area. Next you will need to clean the area again using a surface cleaner; which must be VOC compliant. Now that the repair area has been cleaned, make sure it is completely dried off. The surface temperature is also important to the process; 70deg to 90deg F is ideal.

Jamb Masking- Soft Edge Foam
For the purpose of this job you will use soft edge foam to seal a doorjamb. You can also use the process to aid to transition coating. Apply the foam tape evenly to door jamb, however, take care not to stretch the foam while applying. Once the application is complete, press down on the entire surface to ensure the foam locks to the jamb.

Critical Edge Masking
Use wide masking tape to define the repair area before you begin work. Gaskets and moldings must be lifted and masked, using Trim Masking Tape, to prevent them from obstructing the work surface. Finally, mask all other accessories using fine-line masking tape.

Over-spray Protection
Your car needs to be dry before applying the over-spray protective sheeting. Make sure the car is completely covered, and the special adhesive side is attached to the car surface. Now you can prepare the repair area by cutting around the surface you want to work on. Lastly, secure the sheeting around the edge of the repair surface using masking tape.

Masking Removal
The surface area needs to be 70deg to 90deg F before removing masking tape. The best method of removing the tape is to slowly strip it at a 90deg angle. Lift one edge of the foam, stretch parallel to the doorjamb and pull the tape away.

Happy Holidays from Rondex

Rondex — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:27:14 +0000

All of us at Rondex, join in saying “Thank You” and Wish you all the best this Holiday Season.

How to Use Airless Plastic Welder

Rondex — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:13:57 +0000

A plastic welder is used to join or repair thermoplastic materials. This tool works by creating temperature high enough to make plastic melt and get molded by the welding bar. There are different types of plastic welders. Some are portable while some are fixed in one place. Some of the different sorts include stick welders, extrusion welders and injection welders. The latest type of them is the airless plastic welder.
The best airless plastic welder is the Mini-Weld Model 6 Airless Plastic Welder by Urethane Supply Company. It can be regarded as cutting-edge technology in the category of plastic welders.
A few of the advantages of Mini-Weld Model 6 Airless Plastic Welder over the 5500HT model are:

i. It is more portable. The temperature and element controls may be removed from the case for increased portability.

ii. Temperature control allows you to adjust the thermostat according to the plastic you wish to weld

iii. It comes with a belt clip which you can utilize to attach it by your waist!

iv. It can be used for all sorts of plastic, even those in nylon radiator tanks!

v. It contains every tool and help that you might require when welding plastic.

vi. It comes with an instructional video that is very easy to understand. Anyone who is keen on learning DIY stuff will be welding away their broken plastic belongings at home

You can save thousands of bucks just by repairing all those plastic belongings that you had to replace because of minor damages. Order Airless Plastic Welder Kit only for $229.99. The kit also includes FiberFlex Flat Repair Stick and a 1-year manufacturer’s limited warranty.

Winter Season Tips from Standox

Rondex — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:50:22 +0000

Clearcoats and hardeners tend to become more viscous during the cold season if not stored properly. Paint material should have a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees C for spraying to ensure the best reaction between the clearcoat and the hardener.

Warm conditions are ideal for chemical reactions to run smoothly. It is recommended to heat up a low bake over for drying clearcoat. The same applies to the substrates. Care should be taken that the vehicle body is not too cold before applying the paint. If the substrate is too cold, this will have an adverse impact on the flow and the surface finish. Processing and storage temperature of 20 degrees C is ideal.

If the product appears to be too viscous or the can feels cold to the touch, you should check the temperature of the material prior to mixing. If the product is cold, warm the can up in a warm water bucket or let it sit at proper room temperature until it reaches optimal storage temperature. Adding thinner in order to reduce the viscosity is not the right solution. This is not only bad for the environment and your wallet, but will also cause flaws such as orange peel. Adding more coats to achieve a smooth flow will do even more harm, as excessive coats may lead to blisters and sagging.