Fixing runs with a nylon stocking

[Arron]

I was reading an old post on an American site of which I am not a member. Anyway, the guy made an off-hand remark that when you get a run while spray-painting you should fix it with a nylon stocking. What on earth is he talking about? Is this some secret way of fixing runs? Never heard of it. I'd love to know more if it is.

Anyone know what he is talking about? Is this about lacquer ?

Arron

[Bob38S]

I'd be interested also.

When starting off, have used a very soft paintbrush to pickup a run before with various degrees of success - depends on how quickly you pick up the problem. You tend to learn very quickly the difference between light coats and heavy coats - particularly in corners and vertical surfaces.

Best use I have for nylon stockings is the removal of bugs from the front of my car as well as the windscreen - works a treat and no damage to the surfaces. Travel country roads frequently and you will know what I mean.

[Glenn.Visca]

Or .. just put your stockings on before starting ... And avoid the runs completely !!

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

Dunno if this is what that guy meant, but a panel-beater I knew in a previous life showed me this trick:

I stretch a piece between spread fingers and wad the rest into the centre of it, cupping it in the palm of my hand, then invert it and twist it to form a ball of sorts. (ie. a stocking ball stuffed with itself.)

The excess paint is wiped off then this ball is used to 'dab' the cleaned up area to stipple it a bit. This gets rid of any wipe marks and evens out any remaining paint on the surface similar to the original spray pattern, so a light spray over the top will make an almost seamless repair.

Takes a lot of practice to get it right though... and is really only a 'trick' used when time is of the essence and the job has to rush-rush-rush.

I've found that it works on most finishes, so long as you catch it quickly enough. (As Bob said!) Also, a clean bit of linen will do in a pinch if there are no stockings handy. But stockings give the best results and are easier to use by far!

[malb]

Best use I have for nylon stockings is the removal of bugs from the front of my car as well as the windscreen - works a treat and no damage to the surfaces. Travel country roads frequently and you will know what I mean.

Another good use to file away. They make darn good temporary fan belts for vehicles using old style V belts. Get one to use, run it around the pulleys to get a basic length, tie a knot to make a continuous loop with a lump (the knot), trim any excess back to about 30mm, and lever back over the pulleys. Typically good for 100Km or more, then if needed ask for the matching stocking to repeat. Have known cars pulling a caravan to get home doing this.

Also possible with panty hose, one leg at a time.

Otherwise Skew's outline sounds reasonable but I haven't tried it.

[Arron]

Dunno if this is what that guy meant, but a panel-beater I knew in a previous life showed me this trick:

I stretch a piece between spread fingers and wad the rest into the centre of it, cupping it in the palm of my hand, then invert it and twist it to form a ball of sorts. (ie. a stocking ball stuffed with itself.)

The excess paint is wiped off then this ball is used to 'dab' the cleaned up area to stipple it a bit. This gets rid of any wipe marks and evens out any remaining paint on the surface similar to the original spray pattern, so a light spray over the top will make an almost seamless repair.

Takes a lot of practice to get it right though... and is really only a 'trick' used when time is of the essence and the job has to rush-rush-rush.

I've found that it works on most finishes, so long as you catch it quickly enough. (As Bob said!) Also, a clean bit of linen will do in a pinch if there are no stockings handy. But stockings give the best results and are easier to use by far!

Yes, thats probably what he means. The problem I find with lacquer is that by the time you realise you have a run its already half dry, so frigging with it usually makes things worse not better cos you're tearing at the surface. Of course you could try filling your ball of pantihose with lacquer thinner which oozes out and keeps things liquid while you work on it.

Cheers
Arron