U-POL® RAPTOR® Liner & Protective Coating: Part 2 How to Tint and Spray

[@Matt-qw8nh]

i have a 3m accsuspray paint gun, Maximum pressure i can set the 3m accsuspray paint gun is 20 psi will raptor bed liner work with the 3m accsuspray paint gun??

[@chrisyoung5275]

I use a nylon brush on grinder works great! I usually put an epoxy primer on first and let it flash sufficiently before applying the raptor. Is that okay?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Chris, follow manufacturers instructions for overpainting. For best results use Raptor Epoxy Primer.

[@Bullfighter6262]

What size compressor did you use? What is the minimum compressor you would recommend? Thank you

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Mark, A 6 HP compressor that generates 150 PSI line pressure should provide sufficient air supply, but is dependent on the application equipment / gun (Shultz type or gravity feed HVLP) used to apply the RAPTOR. Hope it helps

[@Bullfighter6262]

U-POL very helpfully. Thank you.

[@Fritochiprt32221]

is there a color chart you guys can link me to...interested in a light blue

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Scott. You can actually tint RAPTOR to match almost any color. The possibilities are endless! We do not have a color chart, but you can go to your local automotive paint store/Jobber and ask for this: For best results, use the solvent based toners from basecoat mixing systems. RAPTOR can also be tinted with solvent based basecoats and solvent based 2K solid color isocyanate cured paints. Where 2K paints are used this will also need to be activated before use. Do not use waterbased systems to tint RAPTOR. For best results, use solvent based acrylic basecoat toners (ask your paint supplier to leave out the binders). NOTE: Acrylic basecoat toners tend to have high color strength so use sparingly (less than 10% tint by volume). RAPTOR is compatible with any urethane based color, including 2K acrylic solid color and mixed acrylic basecoats, which can be added up to 10% by volume, although typically, 5% color is all that is required for good opacity with any paint type. RAPTOR cannot be used with water based, polyester, or enamel paints.

[@arcoeco]

Hi Mark, thanks for the videos. I've got a couple of questions for you. After mixing the Raptor and spraying on the first coat then leaving it to flash off for 20 to 30 minutes, is it necessary to do anything to the Raptor still in the bottle on the spray gun? Will a simple shake do? Or is it better to make 2 separate batches? I understand the working life is 60 minutes but have also seen by letting the Raptor sit for 10 minutes that you can get a coarser texture. The second question is really the same but for when applied by roller. Thanks.

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Brad. For a number of reasons, it is not best practice to use activated product that has been sitting in the bottle, especially with the gun still attached even within the 60 minute pot life. You should mix only one bottle at a time and/or only as much as you will immediately use. It is also best practice to clean the gun whenever you switch the bottles so the product does not begin to cure in the gun tubes. The same would go when applying by roller.

[@arcoeco]

Thanks Mark. I suspected that would be the response but I've not seen anything where less than one bottle is mixed. Given the nominated coverage rates a bottle would be way more than I need to do the fenders on my car. Are extra bottles or aftermarket bottles available for mixing smaller quantities? Thanks again.

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Brad. Since you're doing a smaller application that doesn't require a full 4L Kit, try our new 1L kits. It comes with one bottle of RAPTOR and one 250ml hardener tin. It's part number UP4801 for black and UP4802 for tintable. www.u-pol.com/us/en/product/raptor/bed-liner-protective-coating/1-liter-raptor-kit/1-liter-raptor-kit If you need less than 1 bottle, you do have some options, but it's a bit more complicated. You would have to order a different gun, like one of our HVLP guns, and then you can mix and spray smaller sized batches of RAPTOR, and save the rest for another application. You could also use the rest of the product to do another project the same day, like a bike, your front steps, your mailbox, a hockey stick, a flower pot... If you get creative, I'm sure there's another item around the house that could use some RAPTORizing!

[@arcoeco]

Thanks Mark. I suspect 1L will be all I'll need for 2 coats so I'll work out a way to do smaller batches.

[@keithjkeiser]

My questions revolve around the masking and removal. If I plan to do two coats, with 60 mins between coats. How hard is it to remove the masking after the Raptor liner is set up. I see where some people recommend to remove after 15-30 mins before the coating is completely set, what is the procedure if two coats are planned?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi keithjkeiser. Yes, the same goes for 2 coats, which is the recommended number of coats to apply. It's not necessary to spray one coat, remove the masking at 15-20 minutes, and then retape and mask for a second coat. Sorry for the confusion!

[@keithjkeiser]

Thanks for the prompt reply, already have my supplies on the way

[@AGM88E]

Thank you for making this video. i do have a couple of questions if you don't mind helping me out with. First, is the process the same for chrome and plastic? sand (I plan on sand blasting), clean, sand missed spots, mix, shake, and shoot? I'm wanting to do the rear bumper (chrome & plastic) and the upper and lower grille on my 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Thank you for time.

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi AGM88E. Every type of substrate requires a bit of a different preparation, so it's good to contact us with questions before starting your project. Chrome presents some adhesion challenges. Reasonably good results can be obtained if one of the following is used, but note that chrome is not an "approved" substrate: 1) Good - Grill - Sand the surface as well as possible, apply two coats of GRIP#4, allow to dry then apply RAPTOR. This technique was used by one of our sales men last year on a Toyota grill and it worked quite well. 2) Best - Bumper and Grill - Sand the surface as well as possible, apply epoxy primer (following primers guidelines), than apply RAPTOR. Another option could be to sand and apply 2 coats of ACID#8 and then apply RAPTOR. Note that this has not been fully tested, so test in an inconspicuous spot first. For the plastic part of the bumper, most flexible plastics are TPO, EDPM, & PP, which are all approved substrates. For these, abrade with 180-320 grit. Clean and degrease. An adhesion promoter is required for proper adhesion. U-POL GRIP#4 is recommended. For detailed instructions, check out our RAPTOR TDS: www.u-pol.com/storage/app/uploads/public/58e/fbb/ee5/58efbbee58741636085280.pdf. If you have further questions, just respond to this thread!

[@AGM88E]

U-POL, thank you for the quick response and direction. Last question, once hardener has been mixed. how long do I have before it's not good anymore? I'll try the process with the two coats of acid 8 to see and update you if you wish. considering I have 4 liters for 3 relatively small parts. I can re-do it with epoxy primer if need be. Thanks again.

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi AGM88E. We would love to hear about your results! You can respond here or tag us on Facebook: facebook.com/Raptor-USA-Bed-Liner-Protective-Coating-284518391682625/. RAPTOR has a pot life of 60 minutes, meaning once activated (hardener mixed in), you have 60 minutes to apply the product. Best practice is to mix in small batches so you don't waste product. We usually recommend mixing only one bottle at a time.

[@AGM88E]

U-POL, will do and gotcha 60 mins. Thanks again! Best customer service!

[@AGM88E]

Hello U-POL! So I have finished my project and posted to your Facebook page. I used the method that you suggested that was not tested on chrome and it worked beautifully. sand, clean, 2 coats of acid 8, fill, shake, shoot. thank you for all your help. you guys rock!

[@74jcorvin]

I want to cover the stainless fenders on my boat trailer. How slick is Raptor when wet? Also to be clear, I will need to cover the fenders with your etching product prior to shooting Raptor on these fenders? For the smoothest finish, would you recommend adding reducer and shooting with a gravity gun?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi +Jamie Corvin. It will depend on reduction and spray gun nozzle set used. We would recommend doing a number of spray outs to determine the "look" that you want to achieve. Don't forget that RAPTOR is primarily designed as a bed liner, and it's chip resistance is increased the thicker it is applied, so while it will not be as smooth as a clearcoat, it can be applied remarkably smooth and uniform. RAPTOR on it's own is not slip-resistant. To make RAPTOR non- skid / anti-slip, use UP4800 RAPTOR Traction Slip Resistant Additive.

[@Bondovw]

I have always had really good luck with u pol products . I have never used the raptor bed liner yet. Can I mix ppg ureathane basecoat to tint it? I have a darker blue color I want to use. What color bed liner would I use to start with? Thank you

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Tim. U-POL offers two color choices for RAPTOR: Black and tintable. U-POL does not currently offer any other colors. You can find pre-tinted tintable RAPTOR from select distributors online, but note that these colors has been done by the distributor, not by U-POL. To tint the tintable version of RAPTOR (UP0821, UP0821V, UP0829, UP4802, UP4804, and UP4851), you can buy the tint from your local automotive paint supply store, and they should be able to help you color match. When you go to your local automotive paint supply store, be sure to tell them for best color match results, Tintable RAPTOR requires a urethane single stage color. If you choose to use basecoat, ask your paint supplier to leave the binder out of the formulation so it is pure pigment. The final color will appear slightly lighter than the base color. Once mixed, check the color of the tinted system before spraying and adjust if critical. For tinting, typically 5% color is required for good opacity. When tinting above 5%, product will need to be mixed out of the bottle in a suitable mixing cup. For best color control, add color by weight. For best results, use the solvent based toners from basecoat mixing systems. RAPTOR® can also be tinted with solvent based basecoats and solvent based 2K solid color isocyanate cured paints. Where 2K paints are used this will also need to be activated before use.

[@allanlong1002]

There is a local painter spraying vehicles with this all over the county and its a smooth finish - how is this accomplished

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Allan. For a smooth texture, it's better to use an HVLP gun than the UP0726 Raptor Application Gun. Add 15% reducer to RAPTOR when mixing, and set the PSI to 29. Use a 1.6-2.0mm gun tip. At a distance of at least 6" from the surface, spray one even wet coat. When you apply the second coat, reduce the pressure and material flow to achieve a fine mist. I would suggest testing your technique and setup on a test panel before you spray on the vehicle you are trying to RAPTORIZE. Play around with the PSI, spray distance, and heaviness of the coats until you find the texture you're looking for. Reach out to us again if you have more questions.

[@scottlilley1935]

A basic starter kit comes with approximately 1 gallon which from what I understand is enough to do the inside of a truck bed. I have a 2008 Jeep Wrangler (4DR) and want to do the entire outside and inside separately. I want to keep the original color on the outside but do the inside all black. How much more would I need for the outside (tintable), and how much for the inside?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Scott. One 4L kit of RAPTOR product with cover about 125 square feet of surface, whether you're using the black or tintable version. U-POL also now carries 1L kits (1 bottle of product vs 4 bottles in the 4L kit), so if you need extra product, you don't have to buy another full kit. If you would like to speak to a Technical Sales Representative directly, email us at infous@u-pol with your preferred contact info and the state you live in, and we'll get someone in touch with you.

[@1ProShooter]

I want a very file texture. Using a gravity HVLP gun what is the best PSI ? What is the best spray tip. Should I spray closer or further away? The video said you could acheive different textures by increasing or decreasing the PSI. But which one give the fine texture.

[@UPOLRaptor]

For a fine texture using a gravity fed HVLP gun, start by mixing in about 15% reducer to the activated RAPTOR product. Setup your gun with a 1.6-2.0mm tip and set the PSI to 29. From a distance of at least a half a foot away from the surface, apply the first coat as an even wet coat. On the second coat, reduce the pressure and material flow to a fine mist.

[@vinceruland9236]

Couple questions. I want to replace the wood in my bass boat and spray the tintable raptor liner over all of the new surfaces. This will be the wood, and some exposed aluminum. I was thinking light scuff on the aluminum and use the adhesion promoter? Or do the etch primer instead. Any other suggestions for prep?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Vince. You can reference the TDS or the included instruction sheet for detailed prep instructions. (www.u-pol.com/files/9837/up0821-SDS-EN). RAPTOR can be applied directly to stable wood. For aluminum, abrade with: 120-180 grit sand paper. For localized rub-thrus: prime with an etch primer, such as two coats of U-POL ACID#8. Large exposed areas of bare metal: Full 2K primer system required for optimum adhesion and corrosion resistance.

[@moabman6803]

OK so I want to spray this on bare aluminum. So step 1 I sand with 120 grit. 2. I clean the surface. 3. I spray that #8 etching primer. For my next step do I rough up the etching primer after it has dried ? Or do I just apply Raptor without roughing up the etching primer?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi MoabMan. There's no need to sand or scuff the etch primer if you apply RAPTOR within 2 hours. If you let the etch primer sit longer than 2 hours, a light scuff with a red scuff pad is all that’s needed - not aggressive sanding.

[@moabman6803]

U-POL ok thank you. I have been reading about lizard skin and how it insulates. Can raptor be sprayed over it? Does upol have a spray on insulator that's comparable??

[@UPOLRaptor]

We have no direct information on Lizard Skin and whether RAPTOR is compatible with it or not. As a standard rule of thumb, if you can sand a substrate (Lizard Skin in this instance), RAPTOR “should” bond to it. One suggestion that we would make to assist in proper adhesion over another liner product would be the use of our GRIP #4 adhesion promoter which is specifically designed to work with RAPTOR. RAPTOR by its nature is a sound dampener and also has certain dielectric, non-conductive properties. Is that what you mean by an insulator?

[@moabman6803]

U-POL basically I'm looking to insulate against heat and sound.

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi MoabMan. Raptor is a sounds deadener but is not a heat insulator.

[@jeremymaia8375]

I want to spray the inside of a Fiberglass skiff that the gelcoat is coming off of. As far as prep wise what do i need to do to the bare fiberglass before spraying.

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Jeremy. For fiberglass prep, Remove all loose material from the surface to be coated. Clean and degrease the surface. Abrade with 120-180 grit sandpaper. Clean and degrease. Then just fill, shake, shoot. You can find a full set of instructions here: www.u-pol.com/files/11598/up0820-SDS-EN

[@jeremymaia8375]

U-POL thank you for the quick response!

[@duckymcduck4001]

I love this stuff! What tip size is best for a HVLP spray gun? 2.0mm or 2.5mm??

[@duckymcduck4001]

If i add silica sand to the raptor liner, can i still shoot it with a HVLP gun?

[@UPOLRaptor]

It will depend on the size of the fluid tip on the gun. It may be possible if you are using a 2.0 or larger nozzle set. Additionally, we recommend our UP4800 RAPTOR Traction Anti-Slip Additive, which will not break down the way silica sand does.

[@paulsearle1351]

how long will the raptor last once mixed with activator? workable time?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi +Paul Searle. RAPTOR has a 60 minute pot life at 68 degrees Fahrenheit once activated. Keep in mind that pot life may increase or decrease slightly depending on ambient temperature.

[@mattmcgarty143]

for the tintable kit, is there a specific type of paint I have to mix with it, or will any automotive paint work with it?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Matt, RAPTOR has been designed to be tinted with standard solvent-borne base coats.

[@dragonov547]

@@UPOLRaptorSo you can add any colour base coat to the Raptor system and it will be fine? What is "standard solvent-borne" ?

[@UPOLRaptor]

@@dragonov547 Hi Jamie, yes as long as your colour is solvent based (not water based).

[@dragonov547]

@@UPOLRaptor Gotcha

[@user-ku2pl5eb8t]

what type and tip size should be used with HLVP gun ? what was used in this video ?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi +www.tdmhydraulics.com. For standard texture with HVLP gravity fed gun, use a 1.6-2.0mm gun tip size. Add 15% reducer and spray at 29 PSI at least 6" from the surface. For fine texture with HVLP gravity fed gun, use a 1.6-2.0mm gun tip size. Add 15% reducer and spray at 29 PSI at least 6" from the surface. Do 2 coats: 1st coat: even wet coat. 2nd coat: reduce pressure and material flow to achieve a fine mist.

[@OKmediaOC]

Is there a clear or transparent version of this spray? As in light can pass through it? and if so, would it bond to solar panels?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi OKmediaOC. Unfortunately, no. There is no clear version of RAPTOR. RAPTOR comes in black, white, and tintable. For more information about RAPTOR products, visit www.raptorcoatings.com.

[@Lets_GO_Brandon_33]

what tip on the hvlp gun did you guys use??

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Robert. There are dozens of different techniques and setups you can use to get different textures and effects. A few standard setups U-POL recommends are: Fine texture using a HVLP Gravity Fed Gun - 15% Reducer - 1.6-2.0mm Tip - 29 PSI - Spray at a distance of at least 6" from the surface - Spray one even, wet coat, and then a second coat reducing the pressure and material flow to achieve a fine mist Standard texture using a HVLP Gravity Fed Gun - 15% Reducer - 1.6-2.0mm Tip - 29 PSI - Spray at a distance of at least 6" from the surface - 2 coats with an even sweeping motion Do a couple of test sprays before you get started so you can find the texture and technique that works best for your project, and let us know how it goes!

[@biancamuntean5304]

is it heat resistant...can i spray motor and exhaust for moto..thanks

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Softailrider. RAPTOR'S temperature resistance is -0.4 F to 212 F, so it's not recommended for application anywhere there could be excessive heat, like the motor or exhaust.

[@biancamuntean5304]

woww that was quick answer..tks man nice video how bright is the white cuz i want a cold white not like cream or eggs color

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Softailrider. The NEW! RAPTOR 4L Kit in White is General Motors Summit White Color Code: 8624, commonly referred to as “Olympic White”. If that's not quite the shade of white you're looking for, you can tint the tintable RAPTOR kit. Your local Jobber/PBE Auto Paint supplier will be able to help you color match. For detailed tinting instructions, reference the TDS: www.u-pol.com/files/9837/up0821-SDS-EN

[@biancamuntean5304]

nice thank you man

[@danadouglass2432]

can I spray it on my aluminum Jon boat for sealing

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi +Dana Douglass. RAPTOR® can be applied to aluminum, but first you must prime with an etch primer, such as two coats of U-POL ACID#8™ (UP0741V). Check out the RAPTOR TDS on our website (www.u-pol.co.uk/documents/datasheets/tds/RLB-TDS-US.pdf). You would need to seal any inside seams with TIGER SEAL, and you could certainly then apply RAPTOR to the inside of the boat, but we would generally not suggest RAPTOR for use on the outside of the boat, below the water line.

[@412milefarm6]

So how do I get a paint match color if I am using tint only?

[@1cleandude]

If you are using the tintable raptor you go to a paint shop to buy one pint of tint for four bottles of raptor. I used 75ml of tint per bottle of raptor and I'm very please with the results. The guys at my paint shop were very familiar with raptor and guided me in the right direction; $28 per pint.

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Rob. Almost any paint supplier in the NA market regularly sells RAPTOR and regularly mixes toner for RAPTOR. Just choose a color from one of their color books, and they will mix the color for you to the correct specifications.

[@UPOLRaptor]

Thanks for the feedback, 1cleandude!

[@dsommers4109]

Where do you get the tint that you use?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi D Sommers, you can get the tint at any automotive paint store.

[@CoryRizzMMA]

UPOLONLINE5 But how do we know what tint to get? How much to add and how it will look when done? Just buy any tint?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Cory Risseeuw. For the tint, you should buy a solvent based toner, such as a urethane based color, 2K acrylic solid color, or a mixed acrylic basecoat. For the best color match results, ask the paint supplier to leave out the binder so you get pure pigment. The final color will appear slightly lighter than the base color. If you talk to your local automotive paint store, they will be able to help you out. As for how much to add, that depends on how much RAPTOR you're using. There is a chart on our technical data sheet that gives you this information. The technical data sheet will help answer many of the questions you have. You can find it here: www.u-pol.co.uk/documents/datasheets/tds/RLT-TDS-US.pdf Also, if you give us a call, we can put you in touch with one of our Technical Reps who can talk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Our number is 610-746-7081.

[@ryanteixeira6449]

Is raptor liner matte or gloss?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Ryan. RAPTOR is a satin gloss finish.

[@sneakfist]

Is Raptor scratch resistant?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Yes, it is! To find out more information about RAPTOR, check out our website www.raptorcoatings.com

[@logancochis]

what do you use to tint it

[@UPOLRaptor]

For the tint, you should buy a solvent based toner, such as a urethane based color, 2K acrylic solid color, or a mixed acrylic basecoat. For the best color match results, ask the paint supplier to leave out the binder so you get pure pigment. The final color will appear slightly lighter than the base color. If you talk to your local automotive paint store, they will be able to help you out.

[@1cleandude]

Confused!! If you add 250ml of hardener and 100ml of tint it wont fit in bottle. Upol's instructions says tint added should be up to 10% of volume. The bottle contains approx. 500 ml of base so paint tint should be 500ml X 10% = 50ml of tint; not 100ml! There is not 750ml of base in the bottle as is advertised! COULD SOMEONE SET ME STRAIGHT ON THE PROPER MIX? THANKS and sorry for the frustrated shouting!

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi 1cleandude. The RAPTOR kit bottles do indeed contain 750ml of base. If your kit does not, can you please sent a brief description of your issue and the batch number on the box to [e-mail], and we will look into it. For questions on tinting, take a look at the included instructions or the TDS here: www.u-pol.com/files/9837/up0821-SDS-EN For tinting, typically 5% color is required for good opacity. When tinting above 5%, product will need to be mixed out of the bottle in a suitable mixing cup. For best color control, add color by weight. For best results, use the solvent based toners from basecoat mixing systems. RAPTOR can also be tinted with solvent based basecoats and solvent based 2K solid color isocyanate cured paints. Where 2K paints are used this will also need to be activated before use. Do not use waterbased systems to tint RAPTOR. For best results, use solvent based acrylic basecoat toners (ask your paint supplier to leave out the binders). NOTE: Acrylic basecoat toners tend to have high color strength so use sparingly (less than 10% tint by volume). RAPTOR is compatible with any urethane based color, including 2K acrylic solid color and mixed acrylic basecoats, and can be added up to 10% by volume. RAPTOR cannot be used with water based, polyester, or enamel paints.

[@412milefarm6]

My question is... tint? So not a mixed paint color?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Rob. RAPTOR® is compatible with any urethane based color, including 2K acrylic solid color and mixed acrylic basecoats, and can be added up to 10%/100ml per bottle by volume. (ask your paint supplier to leave out the binders if possible for best pigment density). NOTE: Acrylic basecoat toners tend to have high color strength so use sparingly (less than 10% tint by volume). RAPTOR cannot be used with water based, polyester, or enamel paints.

[@1cleandude]

10% of 750ml is 75ml why do you use 100ml? My apologies on the 500ml content it is in fact 750ml.

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi 1cleandude. The 10% is calculated based off of the activated/mixed product. 750ml RAPTOR base + 250ml RAPTOR hardener = 1000ml per bottle, so 100ml tint per mixed bottle.

[@robertdonnelly9249]

anyone ever use a metallic in the tintable product?

[@UPOLRaptor]

Metallic toners can be used however, you may experience "metallic burying" and the RAPTOR may not have the exact look that you are attempting to match. Our suggestion is to conduct a test sprayout before committing to the whole project.

[@txknightrider82]

i just got the black base kit, however i have 1 quart of bright silver 2k urethane single stage paint , can i mix this to the black raptor to get a lighter black ?? i want a dark gray look.

[@UPOLRaptor]

Hi Sid Knight. Metallic paint can be used but some metallic burying will take place. The final outcome may not exactly match the color code or exterior of the vehicle. Suggested that you conduct a test spray out to determine if the color and metallic look is acceptable prior to general application.

[@txknightrider82]

thanks just was after perhaps a gun metal dark gray but yes will test spray first .. thanks again U-POL