FATPSI13-02-15, 23:01Very quick run down, I think I will put this in more detail in a tech article as its a really good idea

Firstly what size tip do you have on your gun? optimum for 2 pac is 1.3 - 1.6mm.

There is two types of paint that go into the grouping of 2pack,

First is 2k solid, these are your solid colours ie no pearls, dyes, metallics etc, these include whites, blacks reds etc.This paint has instant gloss off the gun and doesn't require cutting and buffing to get a gloss like acryllic. Ive found the greater majority of brands of paint have a mixing ratio of 2:1, that is 2 parts paint one part hardner.These also require approximately 5-10% 2 pack universal thinner. You can use multi or general purpose thinner as well but gloss retention is lost (not as shiney)

2nd is clear over base. This is metallics, pearls, candies (dies) harliquin etc as well as solid colours. It is commonly called basecoat.Base coat is really a glorified acrylic. It generally has a mixing ration of about 1:1 (1 part paint to 1 part thinner)(again 2k uni thinner)A clear coat is required to give it gloss. Base coat mixing ratio is generaly 1:1 or 1:1.5 (1 part paint to 1 or 1.5 parts thiiner (2 k uni)

With clears there are many to chose from. These can vary in mixig ratios from 2:1,3:1 and even 4:1. (ratio of 2 parts clear to 1 part hardner + 5-10% thinner etc). There are 2 types of clears MS (medium solid) and HS (high solid) the difference is thickness of the coats (HS requires less coats to get the same build up of product) MS is by far the most commonly used clear, particularly by novices.

There are several types of hardners

1.slow2 standard3.fast4.extra fast

these dictate how quickly the paint will dry.the faster the hardner the less gloss you will have. Hotter days require slower hardners as you will find the paint will leave dry spots etc from drying to fast (loss in workability of the paint)

there is plenty Ive missed and i will try to do a proper write up some time this week not a quick effort like this at 1 am.

If you have painting experience as you have said it is very easy to pick up painting 2 pack, don't be afraid of it have a bit of a play on some old panels first and you'll be surprised how easy it isnormaly its :- 2 parts paint1 part harder10% thinners

go buy a mixing stick there about £2 and you will need somthing to mix it up with so good for that, beats screw drivers once mixed then strain into you gun. paper strainers are about 20p each#