I need to do some touch-up work on my 11 year old paint job. It was done using a DuPont enamel (can't think of the name) along with a clear coat. I want to re-do the tailgate, along with the cab corners after I replace them. According to cali-surfer, it sounds like single stage urethane is the way to go. I used PPG enamel a few years ago to re-do the white top, but it took forever to dry, so would like to try something different this time, and want clearcoat-type protection. My local paint store sells PPG products. What do I need to buy from them, or should I look elsewhere?

One more question: Why do I have a harder time laying down paint with my $175 DeVilbiss Finish Line HVLP gun than I did with my $50 Binks model 7 Taiwanese clone? The HVLP gun always seems to be on the ragged edge between orange peel (too dry) and runs (too wet).

The beauty with these new urethane paints is that they can go on nice and smooth and dry pretty quick. I won't lie to you, the Finishline isn't the easiest gun to use. I have a Finishline II that I have been using for a while now. I totally know what you mean about the orange peel if too dry, and runs if too wet. Whenever I spray with it I try to do the best I can, but I always submit to wetsanding and buffing because I like my stuff to look perfect.

As far as your paint question, I've never used PPG stuff. I wanna try it because I hear only good things about all their products. Since you have 11 yr old paint, and I'm assuming you want to match it, you're probably going to have to go with the more expensive stuff they sell. There's Omni at the low end, but I'm unsure of the names of the mid grade and high end products. If it were me I'd go with the middle of the road stuff. The high end products usually are the same formulation as the mid grade stuff, but may have a little more UV stabilizers or something to that extent. I've heard Omni won't match well, thats why I say you might have to go with something else. Maybe someone else can chip in some info on PPG, because I'm not the guy to ask.

The 11 year old Dupont is most likely Centari. PPG will stick to it just fine, and the supplier should be able to match it almost perfect. Just wet sand it with 400 grit and warm soapy water, wipe down with some fast-dry reducer, tach cloth, and shoot. If your fairly new to painting, go with the #7 clone. Good luck!

Thanks for all the advice. Yep , that's it, Randy -- Centari. If I want a better version of my Binks 7 clone, what should I get? Anybody wanna buy a slightly used HVLP gun?