Spray Equipment
This guide covers how to select the correct spray equipment and apply Z Tone 30 for proper atomization, full coverage, and a durable cure.
Choosing the Right Type of Spray Equipment
Z Tone requires a pressure system. Apply using either a Pressure Feed Conventional Spray Gun or a Pressure Feed HVLP Spray Gun.
Fluid tip/needle: minimum .080–.090 in (2.0–2.4 mm). Anything smaller will break up the fleck size.
A pressure spray system is required to ensure proper atomization of the product. This delivers continuous film integrity, which in turn provides maximum adhesion and the other high-performance properties Z Tone is known for.
Z Tone must not be used with an airless system.
Preparing the Surface
- Before applying Z Tone 30, clean all surfaces with water and an abrasive body shop cleaner (such as SEM Soap, 3M Prep & Blend, Presta Substrata, or a similar product) using a maroon scuff pad.
- Sand with 180 grit paper using firm pressure. Do not leave any glossy areas.
- Eliminate rust using Rustroyer.
- Mask off the surface.
- Treat bare metal with Z Tone etching primer.
Primer Coatings
Select the proper primer/sealer base color to match your Z Tone finish color. Only Z Tone primers are manufactured to chemically interact with Z Tone 30, making them an integral part of the Z Tone application system. Using primers other than the recommended Z Tone primers may affect the durability and appearance of the final finish.
See our Primer options for the full color selection guide.
Z Tone Color Coat
The durable, decorative properties of the Z Tone system — “the promise of Z Tone” — depend on a 100% full-coverage coat application. Z Tone was designed to deliver a complete, full-coat film rather than the spatter effect common to other multi-color and textured coatings.
If the substrate or primer coating is visible, coverage is inadequate.
Only full-coat coverage ensures you receive all the qualities expected of the Z Tone process.
Conventional & HVLP Pressure Fed Spray Guns
Apply Z Tone in two stages: a background/sheer coat followed by a pattern coat. Use the settings below as your starting point.
| Setting | Background/Sheer Coat | Pattern Coat |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from surface | 12 in | 24–36 in |
| Needle valve | Nearly closed | Open 1 turn from sheer coat |
| Conventional air pressure | 50–60 psi | 20–30 psi |
| HVLP air pressure | 40–50 psi | 20–30 psi |
| Pot/fluid pressure | 10 psi | 10 psi |
Apply Z Tone in two stages: a background/sheer coat followed by a pattern coat. Use the settings below as your starting point.
1. Background/Sheer Coat. Apply a medium wet coat. Do not build up product in the corners. No flash time is required between coats.
2. Pattern Coat. Total film thickness must not exceed 8 mils wet film thickness.
3. Clean Up. First flush the gun with water while Z Tone is still wet, then flush with solvent or gun cleaner.
DO NOT allow materials to dry in the gun.
Lowering air feed pressure increases fleck size and texture, producing cleaner colors. Too heavy a film will slow dry time and may cause adhesion problems.
Drying
Air Dry System
Tack-free in about 2 hours at 70° F and 50% relative humidity. Full cure occurs in 5–7 days depending on temperature and humidity. Allow the surface to dry overnight before applying clear coat.
Force Dry System
Force dry at 140° F for 30–60 minutes. Allow 30 minutes flash time if using forced air or baking. The surface can be clear coated after cooling.
DO NOT allow moisture of any kind on the surface for 24 hours.
Optional Catalyst
For a catalyzed Z Tone 30 Series system, thoroughly mix ZT-9251-000C-HP Quick Step Catalyst into the Z Tone before spraying at a 16:1 mix ratio. The catalyst greatly increases water, chemical, and abrasion resistance without sacrificing adhesion or impact resistance.
Use the same thinners and gun cleaners you would with any other automotive paint product.
DO NOT allow materials to dry in the gun.
Temperature and Humidity
For primer-sealer and base color, the ideal spraying condition is 70° F at 50% relative humidity, which allows for maximum adhesion to the surface.
Because the product contains water, force drying at 120° F for 15 minutes is highly recommended whenever relative humidity is above 75%.