Location: Sacramento-ish
Posts: 4,408
My VIN: 02100
Club(s): (NCDMC) (DCUK)
Jon
1981 DMC-12 #02100. July 1981. 5-speed, black, grooved w/flap.
restoration log, March 2011 to present
full and detailed photo restoration log
I visited one of the vendors last year who suggested adding the hardener to the Rustoleum Smoke Gray if I were to use that product. Then use a sprayer if you were to do the whole frame but I suppose if you work quick enough you can brush it on, too. I'd make much smaller quantities, a new batch for each coat using a similar ratio.
You should be able to get a hardener at any paint shop that sells to auto body paint guys / DIY auto paint supply.
Andy Lien
VIN 11596 Jan 1982 build - owned since Nov. 2000!
Total frame-off restoration completed 2021-2023
Photography and Backpacking is life.
Was Fargo, ND
Now Kansas City
Location: Northern NJ
Posts: 8,581
My VIN: 10757 1st place Concourse 1998
There are many additives you can add to paint but you have to be careful what you add and how much you add. Best to experiment on a test article first. There are additives to improve flow, drying time, adhesion, gloss, texture, etc. If you do use additives, only add to what you will actually be using, often many additives, once added, do not store well. For the best job, prep is all important. The metal must be clean. Next use a primer coat, then a base coat and finally a top coat. Each coat has specific properties that are maximized for that specific job. For example a primer coat will have excellent adhesion and moisture resistance.
David Teitelbaum