Reduce or not reduce..Repainting my 1976 B7001

[boomer]

I am restoring my 1976 B7001. I bought 2 quarts of the original Kubota Orange enamel. The paint can gives no directions on using any hardner or reducer. Any ideas on if I should use either, both, or none?

[Mr. K]

Hey there boomer,

Whenever we are using Kubota paints we do mix in a reducer - 4 parts paint, 1 part reducer (ie. 80% paint, 20% reducer). The reducer you want to use depends on what the temperature will be like when you go about painting. We have an article on paint reducers + Kubota paint you can have a read over here:

http://www.orangetractortalks.com/2008/10/paint-reducers-and-kubota-paint/

If you are painting in a damp/cooler environment, you'll want a faster reducer. Warmer environments call for a slow reducer. With the weather around here we typically end up with a "medium reducer", Sherwin Williams R7K211. Makes the paint go through our gun easier too!

[Mr. K]

Oops, forgot to mention. If you have not yet seen already, we have a lot of articles on paint and painting technique when it comes to restoring your Kubota. Take a look at these articles too if you have not already:

http://www.orangetractortalks.com/2008/11/rattle-can-paint-job-part-1-tractor-prep-proper-technique/
http://www.orangetractortalks.com/2008/11/rattle-can-paint-job-part-2-frame-engine-transmission-wheels/
http://www.orangetractortalks.com/2008/12/rattle-can-paint-job-part-3-fenders-hood-and-dash/
http://www.orangetractortalks.com/2008/12/rattle-can-paint-job-part-4-finishing-up/

Good luck!

[boomer]

Thanks Mr. K I read those articles previously and found them to be very informative. Will post pics when I get it back together..

[Mr. K]

Sounds good - please do post pics. We love to see before + afters :D

[Service Dept Vic]

Use a couple of table spoons of acrylic enamel hardner and also use an eyedropper full of "Smoothie" fish eye remover in each gun cup full.