Majic 1 gal. Light Ford Gray Tractor Truck & Implement Enamel Paint

A: For use on iron, steel, aluminum and properly primed galvanized metal

A: Using the ratio format above, the proper ratio for mixing Majic Tractor & Implement Enamel to Reducer and to Catalyst Hardener = 8 (parts Majic T&I Enamel): 1 (part Majic Reducer): 1/2 (part Catalyst Hardener) … 8:1:1/2 (or 16:2:1). Please bear in mind that the reduction ratio is plus-or-minus, meaning that more, or less, Reducer may be added to achieve proper atomization – which may be affected by the type of spray equipment you have, the atmospheric conditions at the time of application, and your own personal preferences. A greater reduction will not harm the resin nor the protective and performance qualities of the finish (though 8:1 is a good place to start). At the ratio described above, you would use 1/2 the amount of Catalyst Hardener as the Majic Reducer – please understand that the use of a Catalyst Hardener is not required, but optional. The benefits to using a Hardener is (a) a harder finish (better abrasion resistance, and (b) accelerated “cure” time of the applied film. Also understand that the use of a Catalyst Hardener will NOT accelerate the dry-to-touch, nor the re-coat time of the applied product – these times will remain constant with, or without the Catalyst Hardener. When applying Majic Tractor & Implement Primers, and Enamels, to follow package directions carefully with special attention to the recommended applied film thickness (2.5 – 3.0 mils wet) and the “allowable” recoat time of 24 hours (minimum) as too heavy an application, and/or re-coating too soon will result in a film that won’t dry “hard” for several days…or longer.

A: Assuming the aluminum surface has been previously painted, is clean, and in good, sound condition, no primer would be necessary before applying 1-2 coats of Majic T&I Enamel in accordance to package directions… if the aluminum is bare, the surface should be sanded with a medium grit paper, etched with a 50/50 vinegar & water solution and allow to dry, then primed with 1 coat of Majic T&I Sandable Gray (8-6055), or Red Oxide Primer (8-2989) in strict accordance to package directions.

A: Please see the response from the manufacturer: Majic Tractor, Truck & Implement Enamels are hard-drying, high gloss alkyd enamels designed for exceptional adhesion, with great abrasion, impact & corrosion resistance. We do not manufacture a “flattening agent” for use with this product, and cannot recommend one be added. Flatting pastes are made up of soft minerals that absorb, and protrude through the remaining resin – lowering the sheen, but diminishing the film’s protective & performance properties. Though we do not recommend that flatting pastes be added, if you go this route – be sure to find one that is compatible with oil/alkyd resins, and not for use with lacquers, polys or 2K finishes.

A: A good quality water-borne, rust-inhibitive, metal primer should pose no problem of incompatibility with an application of Majic Tractor, Truck & Implement Enamels, but it is always a good idea to apply a test patch first, allow a couple days to cure, then check adhesion. Be sure to follow the preparations and application instructions carefully of both products, with special attention to the recommended applied thickness of each coating, and the allowable recoat times (of both).

A: Majic Tractor, Truck & Implement Enamels may be applied to a painted surface, as long as the existing coating is adhering tightly, and in good condition. Any loose, or peeling, paint must be removed by sanding, scraping, etc., then the blunt edges of remaining paint must be sanded smooth, and flush to the substrate. Aside from sanding to remove loose paint, the entire surface of an existing coating should be sanded with a fine grit paper to remove any gloss, and to create a “profile” for a stronger mechanical bond between the existing and newly applied coating. Please refer to the label instructions for additional surface preparation guidelines, as well as application instructions with special attention to the recommended applied thickness, and allowable re-coat times (too heavy an application, and/or re-coating too soon will result in a film that won’t dry “hard” for several days… or longer).

A: Painting plastic trim is similar to painting fiberglass. Make sure the surface is clean & dry and scuff sand glossy, slick surfaces. A greater adhesion may be realized with the application of a Plastic Adhesion Promoter prior to priming with Majic Tractor & Implement Primer.

A: Please see the manufacturer's response below: The preferred methods for spraying Majic Tractor, Truck & Implement Products is conventional spray, HVLP or LVLP application. Airless application is certainly possible, but Majic T&I products require a very thin applied film (recommended 2.5 mils wet) with a minimum of 24 hours dry time between coats. Airless applies a lot of paint in a very short period of time, and can very quickly, & easily, be applied too heavy (too heavy an application, and/or re-coating too soon will result in a much slower dry & cure – possibly several days, or longer). A successful application with airless will largely depend on your equipment, and your experience & ability to measure, or recognize, the appropriate applied film thickness. If you opt for this type of application, I would recommend an 8:1 reduction of Majic T&I Enamel (with Majic Reducer, #8-0750), and use a Fine Finish .013 tip

A: Absolutely…while benefit, in terms of increased hardness & accelerated curing, will be realized by adding Majic Catalyst Hardener to Majic Tractor, Truck & Implement Enamels, the use of such is completely optional. Majic Tractor, Truck & Implement Enamels are hard-drying, industrial oil/alkyd enamels that exhibit excellent adhesion and corrosion resistance to the surface being painted (without the use of a catalyst hardener). One other option to consider is the application of 1 or 2 coats of Majic Clear Coat High Gloss Lacquer, applied to the final application of Majic T&I Enamel. Majic Clear Coat provides the benefit of a greater depth of image to the finish, and better resistance to the damaging effects of UV light (better gloss & color retention). An application of Majic Clear Coat is NOT required, and again, strictly optional. Remember with each of the products discussed, it is critical to follow application directions very carefully – apply product in thin coats, and allow a full 24 hours to dry between coats. If you opt to use Majic Clear Coat, allow the final coat of enamel 14 days to cure before applying.

A: The best (only) recommendation we can make for thinning/reducing any of the Majic Tractor & Implement Enamels, or Primers, is with Majic Reducer, #8-0750, SKU #1177119 at a ratio of 8:1 (8 parts Majic T&I Coating to 1 part Majic Reducer). Majic Reducer is a proprietary blend of “exempt” solvents that allow T&I Products to be reduced – without adding any VOC to the host product (Reducing product with Mineral Spirits, or VM&P Naptha would work (at approximately the same ratio), but would add enough VOC’s to knock the product of VOC compliancy)…