Tom:

That could easily be part of my problem although I don't recall really
making the compressor struggle.  It is an old (late 50's) 2-stage 40 gal. 3
h.p. compressor and a low end gun.  The paint job was a new adventure for
me and I didn't expect professional results but hoped I could get it a bit
more uniform than I did. I have painted a few old tractors using the same
poor techniques and found International red is pretty forgiving, flash
silver is not. It will hold it until I can afford to have a pro do it and
certainly looks better than when I bought it.  I wouldn't mind trying it
again if I thought it would be any different the next time.

Thanks,

Bart

At 04:19 PM 8/16/00 -0400, Tom Smith wrote:
>Did the air compressor used to spray the paint struggle to keep up causing
>the pressure at the gun to vary? Air pressure variance is the major cause of
>mottling in a metallic finish. For a big job like a complete repaint on a
>large vehicle you need at least a 6 &1/2 hp motor with a 60 gal tank.
>Something to keep in mind for us do-it-yourselfers.
>
>Tom Smith
>83.5 Westie

Flash silver is just the name that vw gave to the silver color that is my
original color. I did the paint job myself and it turned out really bad.
It has a metal flake to it and I could not get it to come out evenly. I
have heavy spots and light spots all over. My van is better than when I
bought it but really needs redone by a pro but $$$$.
thanks,
Bart