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MG TD TF 1500 - What paint can be used in the USA

On the same theme as Bruce Cunha's enquiry.

Can you no longer paint with Cellulose paint here in the USA? What do you have to do if you want to touch up a panel? Is the paint allowed in the USA compatible with the older paints form England? Does it all have to come off?
I have a few very small placed where a bubble has forming under the paint- which I assume to be rust. I don't really want to start over form bear metal.

Rod.
Rod Jones

Local or state ordinances vary in regard to what is allowed..also it varies whether commercial shop or hobbiest. Regards, tomy
tm peterson

Rod.

I did a bit of looking and it looks like you can get Cellulose paint from the UK. 5 liters is about 1.3 gallons for less than $100.

As for the legality of using it, Tomy is correct, different states have different regulations, but if you are doing it yourself, if you can get it shipped to you, unsure if there would be an issue.

I very well may look into this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cellulose-Paint-Gloss-Matt-Satin-Matt-most-colours-available-free-strainer-/331267787464?pt=UK_DIY_Material_Paint_Varnish_MJ&var=&hash=item4d21194ac8
Bruce Cunha

Ok, after some more looking, there is at least one company in the US that supplies Nitro-cellulose paint. According to their web site (http://www.hiberniaautorestorers.com/nitrocellulose-automotive-laquers.php) it is legal for use in all 50 states.

Think I will order mine up from them. Prices are not all that bad.
Bruce Cunha

It may be legal in portions of all states, but I can tell you lacquers are not permissible in densely populated counties and urban areas. Sacramento county, CA has had a ban on Lacquer paints for well over 10 years while in adjoining counties in the foothills have no such restrictions.
W. A. Chasser Jr

Well that is a little reassuring at least.
Thanks for the link Bruce.
Can you over spray a cellulose base with the newer epoxy two part paints?
I know from experience enamel under cellulose is a disaster.
Rod Jones

DO NOT MIX PAINT TYPES.

They expand and contract at different rates which can cause failure and may also chemically interfere with each other. I know they make special coatings to try to eliminate all of this but they also sell gold bracelets guaranteed to keep you healthy and people wear tin foil hats etc.
Christopher Couper

Ron the best answer is... Go to your local automotive paint distributor. They will know the regulations in your area. As they won't be able to sell regulated products in their area. Also I have to disagree with Chris in one regard. You can shoot enamels over existing lacquers that have not failed. however it is best to cut them down. Use an epoxy primer/sealer and then top with your enamel, urethanes etc. Again your paint supplier can give you the best recommendations as to which products and the quality and price range you are looking for. Be prepared though there is nothing that is cheap that will hold up.." You get what you pay for", never rings more true. Also with single stage enamels the pigment is basically mixed in the clear. As such, cutting it with rubbing compounds and polish will allow the pigments to oxidize requiring more paint care. polishing, waxing to keep it up.
W. A. Chasser Jr

Don't got to your local distributor. Go to several of them and compare notes on what they tell you and see if you can figure out who is telling the truth.

I am constantly being told by vendors these days that stuff I need is not longer legal for them to sell me. TSP, Cuprinol. Gunk Hydroseal, acetone, Minwax lead solder etc.

About half the time, if I pursue it, it turns out that it is not illegal at all, but just that the vendor doesn't carry it, and rather than say so and have me go elsewhere, lies to me about the legality of it.
kylemorley

Many of the regulations are primarily out there for the auto shops. This is why most body shops have moved to water based paints. EPA has srict VOC restrictions. The cost of the new paint and the new paint booth and spray equipment is one of the reasons costs of paint jobs have gone up so much.

Paint shops can be a bit of a hassle to get the products you want. When I painted my MGB in California back in 2005, we wanted to use Dupont Centari. Our friend owns a paint shop and when we told him we wanted Centari, he said "oh, you are painting a boat or an airplane, is that correct" We said Yes, that was correct.

Odd how there are exceptions to a lot of the regulations.

Probably will look at acrylic enamel single stage for the TD.
Bruce Cunha

Whilst Nitro-Cellulose Lacquer is still available, the legal issue is one of transportation.

Nitro-Cellulose Lacquer is highly explosive, and for those paint shops using it, requires having all electrical devices conform to Class I, Group D specs - (explosion-proof, gas).

So moving it from one place to another is difficult. If you plan to buy some, I would suggest you consider fetching it as well!

Gord Clark
Rocjburn, Qué.

Gordon A Clark

This thread was discussed between 26/10/2014 and 27/10/2014

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