Catalyzed polyurethane is the only way to go.  You don't want to skimp
on paint quality and longevity, particularly if you are going to pay a
professional.  I too have used lacquer in the past, and it is brittle.
Eventually it will craze and crack, usually in about four years.  Shops
continue to use it because it is quick, easy, and cheap, and looks good
long enough to avoid complaints.  You will also need to strip it off
completely before repainting.

However, rather than pay a pro, I will be renting a professional spray
booth for my painting next summer.  The lowest bid I have gotten from a
quality pro is $1500 with my doing all the prep and buying the paint,
and this is just to shoot the sides of the Westy!  I can buy a top
quality HVLP system for $600, and paint for about $250.  The booth will
run $150.  Since I have four cars to paint in the next few years, this
makes sense for me.  I will convert to an HVLP system due to the cost of
paint systems and much lower overspray with HVLP.

P.S., an OSHA approved organic vapor mask will absorb the isocyanates.
Only a pro working with this stuff every day in a production environment
needs the forced air system.

"Michael A. Radtke" wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> Painting your Vanagon comes up on this list from time to time.  I am in the
> middle of a couple of restoration projects, so I have been researching this
> subject for 18 months.

> So, what have I learned?  Do all the prep myself and let the
> professional do the painting.
>
> Mike   '84 GL   '60 Vespa   '58 Isetta   ---   Phoenix, AZ

--
Stuart MacMillan
Manager, Case Program
800-909-8244 ext 208

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