Maker Pro Paints™ are industrial-grade scenic design paints developed for rigorous themed environment applications at amusement parks, zoos, aquariums, etc. where outdoor durability is critical. Properly applied paints are highly abrasion/scratch resistant, UV lightfast and weather resistant. Maker Pro Paints are “public space” safe and certify to the highest flame rating available; ASTM E-84, Class A. They are currently available in 13 different colors plus an adhesion promoter, and bond tenaciously to Smooth‑On rigid / semi-rigid urethane or epoxy plastics as well as some urethane flexible foams and rubbers. They will also bond to wood, fiberglass, aluminum, concrete, plasters, steel and many other substrates.
Maker Pro Paints™ are no-VOC water based acrylic-urethanes. Colors mix cleanly and easily for color matching, and have consistent uniform coverage with less paint build up. Maker Pro Paint™ can be applied by brush, roller, or sprayed with an airbrush, spray gun, or touch-up gun.
ENVIRONMENT - TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Do not allow Maker Pro Paint™ to freeze. The material will not be usable. Store and use material at room temperature (73°F/23°C). After dispensing, replace cap immediately. For best results, paint in conditions which are between 65°F - 85°F (18°C - 29°C). Avoid painting when temperatures are below 60°F (16°C) or when relative humidity levels are above 65%. Colder temperatures will increase the drying time, while warmer temperatures will reduce drying time. Allow for extended drying times when painting in humid conditions or temperatures lower than 65°F (18°C), making sure each coat of paint has dried tack-free before applying another coat. To reduce drying times, keep air moving with a fan placed so that air moves across the painted surface, avoid pointing fan directly at fresh paint.
COVERAGE RATE
Maker Pro Paint™ covers approx. 43 ft2 (4 m2) per 1 pint and 350 ft2 (33 m2) per 1 gallon.
Coverage varies slightly per color. For optimum coverage, allow each coat to air dry tack-free before applying next coat. Maker Pro Paint™ Adhesion Promoter covers approx. 600 ft2 (66 m2) with one coat applied for adhesion. Coverage varies per substrate type and texture.
EQUIPMENT SIZE & SET UP
Brush: Use a quality brush made for water-based paint, i.e., a brush with nylon or synthetic bristles, or a foam brush.
Roller: Use a synthetic or microfiber roller. Keep a wet edge.
SPRAY EQUIPMENT SET UP (Refer To Spray Application Section For Spraying Recommendations)
Airbrush: 0.3mm – 0.5mm tip-size, spray at manufacturer’s recommendations, generally ~ 25 – 35+ psi
Touch-Up Gun: 1.2mm tip-size, spray at gun manufacturer’s recommendations, generally ~ 22 – 24 psi
Spray Gun: 1.3mm – 1.5mm tip-size, spray at manufacturer’s recommendations, generally ~ 22 – 24 psi
FAN: For uniform drying and to accelerate drying time. Avoid pointing fan directly at fresh paint.
SURFACE PREPARATION
Remove all loose chalking or flaking paint from the surface. Clean using isopropyl alcohol.
NOTE: FOR BEST RESULTS; Any time you are using a new paint product, paint process or painting a new substrate type; Before painting, a small scale test is recommended using a piece/panel made of the same materials and following the same preparation & painting process as planned for the actual paintjob. If the resulting finish is not as expected, contact Smooth‑On Technical Help for assistance before proceeding with your project.
Thinning is generally not required for application by brush or roller. For application with spray gun, thin about 10% - 25% per volume using distilled water. For application with airbrush, thin about 25% - 50% per volume using distilled water. Thin in small increments of ~5% per volume at a time, until a finely atomized spray-pattern is achieved.
APPLY MAKER PRO PAINT™
Generally, 2 – 3 coats are required for complete coverage.
DRYING TIME AND CURING
At 65 ° F /21° C to 85° F/29° C and 65% relative humidity, Maker Pro Paint™ will dry to a matte coat in about 10 – 15 minutes. Apply additional coats of paint after the underlying paint has dried tack-free.
APPLYING A CLEAR TOP COATING
Maker Pro Paint™ may be top-coated with a wide variety of clear top coatings, both water-based and solvent-based, catalyzed (2k), urethane and epoxy clears. Always make a test panel when trying a new paint and clear coat together. For best results, allow adequate drying time to ensure paint has thoroughly dried before applying clear topcoat. The clearest finish is achieved when applying clear to paint that has dried moisture-free.
SPRAY GUN APPLICATION
Apply 3 coats using a 50 / 50 overlapping pattern for pinhole-free coverage: 1 tack coat (medium) and 2 medium-wet coats.
Apply first coat lightly as a tack coat. Allow coat to air dry to a matte finish before applying next coat.
CLEAN-UP
Use water to clean brushes and spray guns after use and to rinse in between color changes.
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