Raptor coating
Preparing, applying and finishing
Abby Wingett | 27th June 2022 | 7 minutes to read
A simple guide to applying Raptor
If you're kitting out your 4x4 for some serious bush-action or need to protect bumpers, bash bars, ute trays and more, Raptor is a permeant, durable and easy to apply protective coating that will stand up to anything you can throw its way. Whether you're tearing through the hills and rubbing up against rock walls or strapping down building supplies in the back of your ute or truck, the unique paint-on Raptor coating formulation offers an ultra-durable, protective barrier than won't scratch, chip or mark and can even protect your panels from dents and damage when compared to regular OEM paint.
With the ability to apply directly over OEM paint, Raptor Coat cuts down on extensive prep time and efforts usually associated with painting bull bars, trims, truck beds or even entire vehicles. Raptor is tough and tolerant of pretty much all climactic conditions which makes it perfect for the harsh conditions associated with rugged terrain and applications. The U.V resistant formula won’t break down, fade or peel even after years in the harsh Aussie sun. Perfect for those who love to dunk their 4x4 in exhilarating river crossings, dip into the water at the boat ramp when launching their boat or even those who love beach driving in their rig, Raptor is fully water proof and protects surfaces from rust and corrosion which can eat away at your precious rig over time.
Preparation - How Do You Prepare A Car For Raptor?
How do you prepare bare metal for Raptor?
If you're looking to repaint your rig in Raptor after some serious restoration or fabrication work, chances are you have the car down to bare metal. Preparing your vehicle or parts for Raptor coating when they are in bare metal is easy to do with just a few small steps which should be taken to ensure the best possible adhesion for great results and long-lasting durability.
First of all, the surface must be abraded or 'roughed up' with 180-grit sandpaper. Removing the shine from the metal and ensuring the entire surface has been scuffed allows the Raptor coating to cling to sheet metal, bumpers, trims and more with the best possible long-lasting results.
Following scuffing the surface with sandpaper, apply 1-2 coats of acid etch primer as a base coat for the Raptor coating. Allow the primer to dry for 15-20 minutes before applying the Raptor. If you cannot find an acid etch primer, any 2K epoxy primer can be used to prime bare metal.
How do you prepare plastic for Raptor?
Coating plastic pieces in Raptor is ultra-simple and doesn't require much prep. Applying Raptor to plastic bumpers, fender flares, grills or other plastic pieces is a great way to keep them protected from the elements or obstacles when getting amongst it on the 4x4 tracks. First you must abrade or 'rough up' the plastic surface with 180-240 grit sandpaper to allow the coating to adhere properly to the surface. Then apply a suitable adhesion promotor, allowing it to dry for 20 minutes before applying the Raptor coating.
Can you apply Raptor over paint?
If you want to coat your vehicle in Raptor but don't have the patience for a bare-metal re-spray, fear not. Raptor can be applied directly over OEM paint with just a few simple steps. Begin by washing the surface with a quality car wash to remove organic contaminants including grease and dirt. Then thoroughly degrease the surface using a solvent-based degreaser as rouge grease can impact paint adhesion characteristics and final cure results.
Next, you will want to abrade or 'rough up' the surface with 180 grit sandpaper. If you're tackling an entire vehicle or ute tray, we recommend using an electric sander for fast results without forgetting to go over difficult to access points such as door jambs by hand. Once everything's roughed up and you've taken the shine off the paint, the vehicle must be thoroughly de-greased once more. Next, using a tack cloth, wipe the vehicle down in order to remove any further contaminants including dust from the sanding process. Any bare plastic surfaces or hard to sand areas must be given 1-2 coats of Raptor adhesion promotor in order to allow the Raptor coating to cling to the surface. Once the adhesion promotor has dried (approx. 20 minutes), you're ready to apply the Raptor coating.
Application - How Do You Apply Raptor?
Can you apply Raptor with a roller?
If you don't have access to professional painting equipment or expensive air compressors, Raptor can simply be applied with a paint roller just like if you were painting a fence. Applying Raptor with a roller offers great textures, however car must be taken to ensure you do not apply the Raptor too thickly as this can cause soft spots. Make sure to apply a medium coat with the roller so that the Raptor can achieve a full cure and maintain its scratch-resistant properties. The team at Raptor recommend using a coarse textured foam roller for the best textured finish, however you can use pretty much any paint roller depending on the finish you're looking for.
How do you change the texture of Raptor?
Typically Raptor recommend panting with your compressor set to 3-4 bar of pressure. Higher or lower air pressures can be used, however we recommend spraying a test panel first in order to ensure the results you're looking for. If you're looking for a smoother, less textured finish you can increase the pressure on the gun or simply add a paint thinner to the mix. If you're looking for an even more textured finish than how Raptor generally dries you can mix your Raptor with Raptor Traction slip-resistant additive which is ideal for side steps, ladders or other high foot-traffic areas.
How many coats of Raptor do you need?
The recommended Raptor application is 2-3 coats with a 60-minute drying time between coats. If you need to apply additional coats for further build, it is suggested to apply them in several 'stages'. For example, apply the first 2-3 coats and then bake or allow to dry for 24 hours before applying another 2-3 coats etc. Painting this way allows as much solvent as possible to escape from the paint which can impede on final cure results if it is trapped inside the paint.
Finish - Painting Over Raptor
Can you paint over Raptor?
Raptor coating can have traditional paint applied over it, however it is important to be aware that these types of paint lack the durability of Raptor coating and may chip or flake away where Raptor would otherwise stand up to the abuse. When painting over Raptor, it is important to first make sure it has had the recommended 24 hours to cure fully. Next, abrade or 'rough up' the surface with some fine abrasive sandpaper to create a matte surface, once you have done this, clean and degrease the surface and it is ready for paint.
Can you clear-coat over Raptor?
Raptor Coating can be clear-coated, however generally this is not required and most users find the standard level of gloss to be ample with Raptor drying to a semi-gloss / eggshell finish. Clearcoats will not offer the same levels of durability as Raptor and may chip, flake or scratch during hard driving. Should you still want to clearcoat over your Raptor coating, lightly abrade or 'rough up' the surface before applying your choice of 2K clear coat. UPOL 2K Clearcoat uses the same resin system as Raptor meaning that they will offer the best results when used over Raptor.
