How-To Paint Hard-Surfaces with Wicked Colors

Chris Arpin demonstrates how to paint Wicked Colors onto hard-surfaces, including priming with AutoBorne Sealer, painting Wicked Colors & final UVLS Clear top-coat.
Chris also shows the difference between spraying Wicked Colors, Wicked Colors mixed with 4050 UVLS Gloss Clear, and Wicked Opaque Colors.
Start: AutoBorne Sealer, autoborne.com/
Paint: Wicked Colors, wickedairbrush...
Final Top-Coat: UVLS Clear, uvlsclears.com/
Hard-Surface Application Guide, creatextech.co...

[@robclowers9628]

I love Chris' soft spokenness and his attention to detail when he does these tutorials. Very knowledgeable and an asset to Createx

[@CreatexColors]

Thank you for watching!

[@simoncarter679]

One of the most useful parts of any video I’ve so far is Chris showing the paint running off the stirring stick. I’m not kidding. Instantly I can see that I’ve had my paint a little think. Reducing for spray gun or airbrush is one fo the toughest things for a hobby painter. Showing what the paint should look like is a massive help. Honestly I’d love to see some real close up shots of the paint being mixed.

[@CreatexColors]

thanks, we’ll keep that in mind for future videos, show what the reduced paints viscosity looks like

[@joeoleary5346]

Fantastic instructions, Chris. I’m even more impressed with the quality and number of your responses to questions. I’ve seen lots of excellent videos, but so often the maker never responds to question, so thanks so much for that!

[@CreatexColors]

Thank you for watching!

[@eagleeye9549]

When cleaning glass, I was taught in the Union Glazier apprentice program to use the two rag method. Similar to prepping a hard surface. Cleaner is applied to one rag, and the other is for drying. Nice detail and very nice video. Cheers.

[@suspensefulness]

man i love this channel, hopefully one day yall can show how to paint plastic motorcycle fairings 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@CreatexColors]

We'll make a how-to paint motorcycle tank, fender and fairings video in the next few months. Thanks.

[@suspensefulness]

@@CreatexColors OMG..🙏🏾 THAT JUST MADE MY DAY..THANK YOU

[@72Moochung]

@@CreatexColors awesome , that's. exactly what I want to learn.....

[@brianvandemortel6710]

Chris you do a great job explaining the different mixes and techniques thanks

[@CreatexColors]

Thank you for watching

[@justinturner4850]

I’m so glad I found this channel.

[@CreatexColors]

Thanks for watching!

[@RoboGoby]

masterclass! I just wanted to say thank you for such an excellent and informative video.

[@CreatexColors]

thank you for watching!

[@RCrawlerLeon]

Very interesting how the difference is made by mixing the same paint with the different products. I'm going to keep checking the videos as I need to see what the difference is when applying Autoborne sealants with different colors and even candy. Thanks

[@CreatexColors]

Excellent, Thanks for watching.

[@seanrbuckman]

Lots of great tips, make sure you watch the entire video.

[@CreatexColors]

thanks!

[@simoncarter679]

Wow, the colour and coverage of the Opaque is fantastic. I’ve recently started using an LPH80 to base my A3 panels. I’m loving the Autobourne sealers and thanks to Chris and the videos I’ve started spraying the Metallic and Iridescent lines too. Thanks for the awesome content.

[@CreatexColors]

Thank you for watching!

[@wp-aiseo]

Brian at Createx recommended 4050 to me about 2 weeks ago. Up until now I have been very nervous to put it through my Iwata .5 airbrush and thus have not tried it yet. Thanks Chris for the demonstration and explanation of how it works. I am now ready to give it a try!

[@CreatexColors]

Excellent. Thanks for watching!

[@tonchuazkarreta1262]

Hi Cris!! I love your knowledege, and the way you teach it!! You've shown us many surface aplications, but I'd like to know how to aply Createx onto Plasterbaoards (Pladur). Lately I'm asking some questions and your channel is answering all of them!! That's giving me a lot of confidence, and your products are my way to go on all my painting projects!!

[@CreatexColors]

For application direct to plasterboard / Pladur, please refer to our Hard Surface Application Guide available at www.creatextech.com. Essentially, scuffing 400 - 600 grit sandpaper then applying AutoBorne Sealer should work well. As anytime using a new substrate - paint, please make a test sample to determine adhesion, drying times, etc. Thank you.

[@tonchuazkarreta1262]

@@CreatexColors Thanks a lot!

[@ronec2092]

Great information, thanks for the help.

[@CreatexColors]

Most welcome, thanks for watching.

[@Bill-qf7tn]

Why no blue sealer instead of white ?

[@GoProGoalieUzi]

Man looks great. I have been using wicked for years with your normal reducer. I paint goalie masks. I’m always afraid to tape over wicked. I use neo air brush. Should I be adding something else with paint reducer..and..? Or leave it..4050? I also use spray max 2k it’s great!!

[@ayalde]

Hi there Chris and everyone! I am a new airbrusher and have a quick question! I've had to remake a project a couple of times due to improper surface preparation and after learning a lot I have decided to go finally with createx's wicked colors and UVLS for it. It is a 3d printed plastic rocket (round surface) that has a ckeckers pattern on the surface. My question is regarding masking and intercoats. After sanding and cleaning the whole thing, I painted with opaque white mixed with 4050 and 4011. I plan on giving it an intercoat of only 4050 reduced with 4011 and then mask on top after about 1 hour drying time. My question is: should I apply the next color and also a topcoat of 4050 on top of that before demasking? or just the paint, then remove the mask and then the topcoat. I'm afraid the mask is going to peel off the second color of paint and I am thinking that the 4050 coat on top will help with adhesion before removing the mask. Sorry for the noobie question but I had to ask!

[@CreatexColors]

Use of 4050 as an inter-coat over Opaque White that is also mixed (10% per vol.) with 4050 may not be required, and lead to too much material build-up and prolonged drying times. Try omitting the inter-coat, allowing for extended drying times of the Opaque White, then mask on it direct after it thoroughly dried. For more, please see our recently updated application guide available at www.creatextech.com. Thank you.

[@speedbeagle6498]

Why is it in every video I see 4011 reducer, but when I buy paint in the store everybody carries 4012 instead? What's the diff?

[@yarbo9900]

Your eyebrows are on fleek. P.s. thanks for the info.

[@CreatexColors]

Thanks for watching.

[@jonhaigwood6385]

As always great information. I paint model car and have been mostly using the Candy2o colors and mix it with 4050, Should I mix in some 4050 with my pearlized colors ?

[@CreatexColors]

Yes, 4050 greatly improves the orientation (eveness) of the flakes in a metallic or pearlescent color. Adding ~ 20% per volume works best for metallic and pearlescent colors. Thin as needed (10% -20% per volume) with 4011 Reducer. Thank you.

[@ksingleton101]

I have a car that the paint is flaking off. How do I prepare the surface without sanding it down to bare metal? Is there a primer or something I could use that would stop the existing paint from flaking off?

[@CreatexColors]

Do not paint over paint that is flaking off. Remove all the failed paint, which may mean going down to substrate / bare metal, then priming and painting over a flat, clean surface that has been sanded 600 - 800, ready for paint. Thank you.

[@donvetter2367]

I live in an on the east coast and ofter the humidity is 70% or above. I can't always wait to paint until the humidity is ideal. Is there a additive that can be used for high humidity situations?

[@CreatexColors]

We're in Connecticut. 4020 Reducer can be mixed with 4011 Reducer to assist with painting in humid conditions, (mix 4011 1:1 4020) as will extended re-coat times. Thank you. createxcolors.com/reducers-additives

[@airbrushdudetv]

3:33 this was enlightening

[@CreatexColors]

Thank you!

[@jeffreyspotts5377]

All of your videos I've watched have been very informative. Keep up the great work. I'm wondering about the use of UVLS 4050 Gloss Clear as a top coat for guitars? I've sprayed a few with your earlier generation candy and pearls but used other manufacturers' waterborne clears because Createx didn't offer a suitable product. On paper, 4050 seems like an attractive option given its multiple applications.

[@CreatexColors]

UVLS Clears are an architectural-grade clear. They will work as a durable clear for guitar refinishing. 4050 Gloss air dries semi-gloss. Sand and polish for a high gloss finish. For more, please refer to the UVLS tech sheet available at www.uvlsclears.com. Thank you.

[@michaelsimpson398]

@@CreatexColors thanks used your products before on RC car shells and now doing guitars and was looking at 2k and 1k clears over your product and this makes things so much easier

[@raymondroot7457]

Speaking of automotive I'd love to see how your paint works with a full car paint job...

[@CreatexColors]

Lots of examples of complete vehicle paint jobs on this channel. Enjoy!

[@nlmmadden]

Yes sir greatly appreciated!! Question can you show us how to spray a Smoke Grey and Silver! They seem to give me a little trouble!! Thanks

[@CreatexColors]

We've a how-to paint silver video, kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnq3iYGirpxooNU. For a metallic smoke grey, mix a little Wicked W002 Black in with the 6013 Silver Sealer or other silver. Thank you.

[@eafd30]

Awesome videos , just had a couple question regarding a specific project I’m working on, I’m trying to paint trolling spoons for fishing . Should I use 6001 for a base on colors I don’t want the metal finish showing thru on and 6000 sealer on ones I do ? And should I be doing anything else beside reducing with 4011 when laying down paint . I will be dealing with a 2k clear to protect the bait from long exposure to the elements

[@CreatexColors]

AutoBorne 6001 Sealer White will cover opaque, so if you want to see the metal through the finish, then yes, starting with 6000 Transparent Sealer will work best. In regard to mixing colors, as demonstrated in this video, mixing colors with 4050 UVLS Gloss Clear makes a better paint for hard-surfaces, such as your spoons, as the paint will have better adhesion and durability compared to only thinning with 4011 Reducer. Thank you.

[@jimkaminski871]

So you don’t need the 4030 if you’re spraying Wicked paints vs the Createx regular opaque colors? I’m using the Createx paints for plastic models.

[@CreatexColors]

When spraying Createx Airbrush Colors onto plastic, mixing colors ~ 20% per volume with 4050 UVLS Gloss Clear will work best, and if not 4050, then 4030 still is much better to than not mixing either 4050 or 4030 as the leveling, adhesion and mar resistance is significantly improved, even when adding either just 10% per volume. Wicked Opaque Colors are unique in that they're already an acrylic-urethane resin paint that has the same properties as when mixing 4030 or 4050 (urethane clears) with Createx Airbrush Colors or Wicked Colors, which are acrylic-resin paints. Thank you.

[@jimkaminski871]

@@CreatexColors that answers my question. Thank you very much. I’m learning so much from your videos.

[@user-re3eo7fr9w]

Is wicked or the illustration line better for painting porcelain? Would I still need to scuff up the surface? I am looking to restore precious moments figurines. Thank you 😊

[@CreatexColors]

For porcelain, use Wicked Colors. Start with an adhesive ground coat of 4050 UVLS Gloss Clear and allow it to thoroughly air dry. The, apply Wicked Colors, mixed 10% per volume with 4050, and thinned as needed with 4011 Reducer. For more, please visit www.creatextech.com. Thank you.

[@user-re3eo7fr9w]

Thank you so much! What grit do you recommend sanding at? I did purchase some autoborne sealer so would I sand, 4050, then autoborne or? Thank you 😊

[@hankvana2149]

Hi Chris. Do you consider UV cure resin to be a "hard surface"? The resin sets up with a very smooth finish, do you recommend abrading the surface to remove the shine or would a matt primer be a good base for the Wicked paints? Thanks!

[@CreatexColors]

Yes, primers, existing finishes and UV cure resins are hard-surface, i.e. non-porous substrates, as opposed to textile & canvas. Definitely scuff the resin with 400-600 grit sandpaper, followed by AutoBorne Sealer, then Wicked Colors. Thank you.

[@Viernes13punto5]

Water based precleaner like for example? Great video thanks for the info.

[@CreatexColors]

PPG SX394. Thanks.

[@ncstonecrew]

Chris, what type of gun are you using, and where can I get those cups for paint? Looks very manageable. Thank you

[@CreatexColors]

The gun is an Iwata TH2 with a custom fitting for a 3M PPS cup. Thank you.

[@michaelrobinson9643]

Hi :). How long would you leave the UVLS before any minor sanding or whatnot for tapelines before recoating? I'm usually in a hotter climate than you are (80F - 90F). Appreciate the effort with your vids. They are a tremendous help for a hobbyist :)

[@CreatexColors]

4-hours minimum should be enough time to dry sand, with more time UVLS Clears will shave even better as the coating hardens as it cures. Opening up re-coat times so each coat dry tack-free will shorten overall time to sand. Thank you.

[@AudioAddicted949]

Question: Sometimes when i reducer the wicked Line prefered mettalics,pearlescent with 4011 i got this failure where in the surface the Paint Breaks Up and it build Rings without coat. What so wrong?

[@CreatexColors]

Avoid over-reducing colors past 20% per volume with 4011 Reducer. For best orientation and coating development, mx Wicked Pearl and Metallic Colors with 4050 UVLS Gloss Clear about 20% per volume, then thin this mix with 4011 Reducer. Thank you.

[@AudioAddicted949]

@@CreatexColors i have to thank you for the quick answer. I have all here to do it right.😁

[@kostasdounias6418]

You rock,thanks a lot

[@CreatexColors]

Thanks for watching!

[@craigminor3665]

Another great video , how long do you have to wait to sand the 4050 between coats ? how long to dry between coats ?

[@CreatexColors]

It depends. Please review the UVLS Clears tech data sheet available at www.uvlsclears.com. Generally, at 70.deg. F and 50% humidity, recoat time is 10 minutes and time to sand 45 - 60 minutes. Thank you.

[@JoaoCoelho-wq9if]

Hi Chris Arpin, I'm João Coelho from Portugal. I like and use Createx products. I have a doubt. If I had this panel already with final varnish and wanted to do a small job inside that rectangle, would I have to pass the scots pad over the entire rectangle? What did you do.

[@CreatexColors]

Spot repairing an existing finish with a different clear type can be difficult due to differing gloss-levels. It may be best to top-coat the entire panel with the new clear sued for the spot repair. However, a simple test panel could show whether the two clears could be blended into one another. Thank you.

[@JoaoCoelho-wq9if]

@@CreatexColors Thank you for your help.

[@user-re3eo7fr9w]

Do you have any videos on how to paint wood with createx paint?

[@CreatexColors]

AutoBorne Sealer is excellent direct to wood. Thank you.

[@roughlyEnforcing]

hey guys, love the channel. Do have a suggestion for a waterborne (for nonmetal surfaces ) filling primer for when i need a little more than the autoborne sealer can handle?

[@CreatexColors]

PPG EPW115. Thanks

[@billybubba600]

Chris, I'm a little confused about the Wicked Paint. I recently bought a new bottle of white and black wicked paints. I understand that Createx recently changed the formula on the wicked colors and I was wondering how I tell if the bottles I received were the old formula or new? I have several 4 oz. kits of wicked but bought a the two bottles of 8 oz. as I expected better coverage with the new formula but I can't tell any difference between my older paint and the two new ones? can you tell me how to tell?? Just a note, I also bought both black and white createx base coat and I love how they cover using my big gun, but haven't figured out how to mix for the airbrush, or if I can? Love your vids!! Thanks for all the hard work and effort to create these videos.

[@CreatexColors]

Hello, no need to be confused as Wicked Colors has not had a formula change. New Wicked Opaque Colors are a new acrylic-urethane resin formula, but standard Wicked Colors are the same as ever. In regard to "createx base coat", not sure what you're referring to as we don't have a product named that, but you probably mean AutoBorne Sealer, which is a primer and best applied with a spray-gun, or if an airbrush, a 0.5mm tip. for more about AutoBorne Sealer, please review its tech sheet available at www.autoborne.com, as well as our overview video for AutoBorne Sealer, kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKild2qOe8-jd68. Thank you.

[@billybubba600]

@@CreatexColors Sorry, you are correct I meant sealer!

[@billybubba600]

Chris, what are the color codes for the New Wicked Opaque black and white. The two I ordered last have W018 and W017 codes. The other bottles are 002 wicked black, 5211 opaque black. Thanks for the help!

[@CreatexColors]

Wicked Opaque Colors, wickedairbrushcolors.com/opaque. Thanks.

[@Jason-fg1vn]

On bare metal, what primer is recommended under the AutoBorne Sealer?

[@CreatexColors]

Onto bare metal, a catalyzed (2k) epoxy, direct-to-metal primer is recommended. 2k direct-to-metal urethane primers may also be used. UVLS Clears and AutoBorne Sealer contain dryers to inhibit corrosion when UVLS comes into contact with metal, such as a bare sot on a motorcycle tank when sanding it as preparing for paint, however for edge-to-edge, metal priming. a 2k epoxy DTM primer is best. Thank you.

[@michaelmoore9629]

Would you want to clean the surface with something before you scuff so you don't imbed any contaminates into your hard surface?

[@CreatexColors]

Yes; before scuffing, clean with soap & water, then degrease with something like PPG SX320. Thanks.

[@craigcassidy957]

great thank you. can you do a vid on how you attached the cup to the tr2 cup. ? or where can we purchase them

[@CreatexColors]

Thanks for watching. The PPS fitting for the TH2 is a one-off thing done with a little creativity, not something for sale.

[@Crewchief227]

What PPS adapter # was that you had on the th2? 🤯 It looked like it attached to the cup. I have a S2c for my W400 & getting one for my new lph80 (I think it's the s31🤔). And have a TH1. Also do the micro cups fit in the midi hardcup? I know it won't bottom out for mixing, just wondering about the diameter. Thanks Chris

[@CreatexColors]

Its a homemade adapter to fit a PPS onto a TH2. Not sure what micro-cups fit, Thanks.

[@meanasscobra]

@@CreatexColors lmao the pps cup just looks rammed into the stock th2 cup lol

[@Donjaethartist]

I used rubber bands and it fit pretty snug with no air or paint leaks. I think electric tape may work the same too,even with different cup brands. I hope this helps.

[@VektorHaus]

When you say “Dry between coats” what’s that looking like, on average?

[@CreatexColors]

Allow each coat to dry matte, so its dry to the touch. Dry times set forth in our application guides (www.creatextech.com) are set at a constant 70 deg.F and 50% humidity, ~ 10 - 15 minutes re-coat. Thank you.

[@VektorHaus]

@@CreatexColors thank you! Loving the product.

[@muhammadsalman4060]

What would you do different on a concrete

[@CreatexColors]

Allow for more time and material as the initial coats will seep a bit into the porous surface. Generally Createx paints adhere excellent to concrete. Than you.

[@ErikisOfficial]

So the more clear you add it gets more glossy or it just becomes harder durable?

[@CreatexColors]

Pin-hole free protection is most important, which is best achieved applying UVLS Clears with a 50/50 overlapped pattern with each coat being ~ 0.5 - 0.75 mil wet each, 3 - 4 coats. 4050 dries semi-gloss; applying with a 1.3/1.4 mm tip and not over-atomizing creates the best air-dry gloss level, but the highest gloss level requires polishing. a 2k urethane, gloss clear is more durable than UVLS Clears (architectural- grade, sign clear) and dries to a higher gloss level. Thank you.

[@Jesus_Advocate41]

Can the white opaque be used as a primer for plastic scale modeling?

[@CreatexColors]

Yes, AutoBorne 6001 Sealer White is a great primer for painting plastics. Scuff 400 - 600 grit sandpaper the. apply 2 - 3 medium wet coats. Thanks.

[@blue4life175]

Can I use lacquer thinners like mr color self leveling thinner with createx/wicked paints?

[@CreatexColors]

No, lacquer thinner is an oil-based solvent, and doesn't mix with water-based paint. Use 4011 Reducer. Thank you.

[@thelmaromain6414]

What all can you paint like helmets or even auto

[@CreatexColors]

Wicked Colors is both base-coat and graphic paint for anything automotive including helmets, bikes and cars. We've many videos on our channel showing this. For more, please refer to the Createx Automotive & Hard-Surface Application Guide, creatextech.com/assets/pdf/app-guides/2021-Createx-Hard-Surface-Automotive-App-Guide.pdf. Thank you.

[@viridianwarrior]

Where can I get that plastic tank on top of your gravity fed reservoir?

[@CreatexColors]

The disposable paint cup is 3M's PPS 2.0, thank you.

[@MatteLson66]

I actually have an upcoming project that will require an intercoat to bury tape lines. I'm going to try the 4050 then. Really nice to not have to lay down 2K and wait until the next day to wet sand it. Would P1000 (dry of course) be what you recommend before clearing with 2K?

[@CreatexColors]

Dry sand UVLS Clears flat with 600 - 800 grit sandpaper before applying a 2k clear. Thank you.

[@Crewchief227]

A P1000 should be fine, it's about the same as a regular 600 grit wet. Check out DuraGold papers on Amazon. Really quality paper without ridiculous 3M prices 🤣

[@CreatexColors]

We actually discussed using 1,000 grit sandpaper before making this reply, and decided it was too fine a grit. In our opinion, 600 - 800 grit tooth is much better. Thanks.

[@MatteLson66]

@@Crewchief227 Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out.

[@Leopold---1320]

Hi Chris. Thanks for the great video. Can you or anyone else recommend a safe mask to wear when spraying the 2k clear coat. I hear the 2k stuff can be really toxic , especially if not in an extremely well ventilated area. Thanks

[@CreatexColors]

In a spray-booth, a 3M Dual Cartridge Respirator, Organic Vapor mask is recommended. 3M makes a disposable version and a version with replaceable cartridges, which should be changed 1x a month. If not in a spray-booth or controlled environment, a supplied air mask system is recommended. Thank you.

[@RCrawlerLeon]

@@CreatexColors What do you mean by a controlled environment, I doubt that airbrushing enthusiasts have a controlled environment.

[@PascalCrypto]

Hope you guys read and answer this comment after 5 months. I’ve seen and asked before how do you connect the pps 2.0 cups to the th-2? I can’t find a adapter for it with Google and watched multiple clips where you might explained this but no results. If anyone knows it I would be very grateful.

[@CreatexColors]

We made our own connector to attach the PPS 2.0 cups to the TH-2. Its not available for sale. Thank you.

[@cd1982]

can you use the autobourne sealers on bare metal? or even like a nason airosol primer ?

[@CreatexColors]

AutoBorne Sealer are direct to surface, meaning they can be applied direct to bare metal, however, they do not have the protection of a 2k etch primer. For edge-to-edge exterior panels and automotive bare metal priming, we recommend a 2k etch epoxy or urethane primer. AutoBorne Sealers are best for small area repair and non-automotive application when used as a direct to bare metal primer. Thank you

[@craigminor3665]

I was wondering how you got the pps cups to fit that air brush , lol the pps 2.0 cups fit right into the cup .

[@CreatexColors]

It a custom made fitting (a TH cup with the PPS pushed into it). Thanks.

[@scottpeters4401]

What is the big plastic cup on the TH,and where do you get one?

[@CreatexColors]

The cup is a PPS Cup by 3M, available at most stores that sell automotive refinish supplies. Thank you.

[@scottpeters4401]

@@CreatexColors I have never seen one that adapts onto the metal cup of the TH like that....

[@Donjaethartist]

I used rubber bands and it fit pretty snug with no air or paint leaks. I think electric tape may work the same too,even with different cup brands. I hope this helps.

[@Matthew-tn7lm]

Would this process work on a motorcycle helmet?

[@CreatexColors]

Yes. For complete information on how-to paint a helmet and other hard-surface automotive applications, please review the Hard Surface & Automotive Application Guide at www.creatextech.com. Thank you.

[@Matthew-tn7lm]

@@CreatexColors Thank you so much

[@valeriepickens2533]

Okay,...nice finish, but it didn't answer my question,...do I have to go through all this, just to paint a plastic model car!?

[@CreatexColors]

Depends on what type of paintjob you're interested in creating. We like painting model cars and making them look good. This process works. You want to cut corners? Make a few test panels and see the resulting finish. There are many different ways to paint. Have fun!