Painting bondeck

[numbat]

I am trying to make a concerted effort to finish my workshop to the stage that I can install my equipment. Before doing this I need to paint the ceiling (this is bondeck with concrete above as a patio), render one wall and paint all walls white (a la Sturdee), put an epoxy on the floor and finally do the electrics - then I can start the moving in.

This question concerns the bondeck ceiling. I have painted the more exposed flat areas of the bondeck with a etching primer (water based from Wattyl). It is hard to get coverage and requires serveral coats - this is brush applied. I have also tried to paint inside the ridges - this require a long bristle brush and lots of time an patience.

I got to thinking that it may be an idea to actually spray the primer and the top coat (probably a low gloss enamel - in white from Haymes). Could this be done with an airless spray gun? or is there a better way? And as a follow up would it be OK to get a cheap airless gun from Bunnings or similar or to hire one?

Cheers

[Barry_White]

Numbat

Why not fill the grooves with "Bonstrip" first to save tryin to paint in the grooves.

http://www.bluescopesteel.com.au/go/howto/finish-lysaght-bondek-with-our-accessories

If you hired an airless gun you would have it done in no time at all. The beauty with hire ones they have a large resevoir to hold the paint. with a small one you would be filling the pot all the time.

[numbat]

Thanks for the reply Barry.

I cant use the Bonstrip as the builder closed up some of the gaps where sheets mated - so the gaps are variable width.

Still looking into getting a spray gun. I have found out that the airless guns must remain verticle and if you want to paint a ceiling you need a special right angle attachment.

Cheers

[Barry_White]

Thanks for the reply Barry.

I cant use the Bonstrip as the builder closed up some of the gaps where sheets mated - so the gaps are variable width.

Cheers
Hi Numbat

About 7 or 8 years ago Lysaghts changed the way Bondek joined together. The old style used to leave even gaps all across the the underside but with the change it was so the joins actually mate closely together and one hooks onto the other. This was to strengthen the join so if there was a heap of concrete dumped onto one panel, in the old style the joint could separate and concrete could get under the joint and then it would look really crappy on the underside as one sheet would be lower than the other.

So now at every join in the Bondek there is no gap, but this gives an uneven appearance of the gaps on the underside. I suppose it is a matter of preference of appearance on whether you have the rest of the gaps closed up with the Bonstrip or not.

I just thought it would make it an easier job to paint it without trying to get the paint into the grooves.