painting question, HELP

[hershe59]

A friend of mine has a 1982 Chevy Van in which someone painted on the tire well on the back. Afetr all this time the picture has begun to peel and he asked mme if I could 'repair' or redo the painting. My question is if i don't know what kind of paint was used ....is it possible to just use an enamel to do the repairs? I realize that it is not necessarilly the right way to go about this but it wasn't done right in the first place so I'm trying my best to do whatever I can to remedy the situation. Underneath the hand done painting is the original, shiny maroon paint.
Any advice would be appreciated. If it's a lost cause let me know.
thanks :confused:

[Len]

It sounds like the problem is mainly poor prep the first time around. If you're looking at the artwork peeling off of shiney paint then the paint you put on top is only going to make it peel off faster. If this is the case then it would pay to take everything off and start over and this time prep the surface properly.

You could do a couple things to make a redo a little easier. You could take pictures of the existing artwork then copy it onto the newly prepped surface. Copying can be done by hand or you could project the image onto the surface or have a large print made then trace it onto the new surface.

The existing problem that you see is almost the same as any paint job that is done over poor prep, it won't hold up very well. It's nice to have the tools, materials and talent to create a good paint job but your work can all be for nothing if you don't do the prep work (that you DON'T see) and/or you don't have the patients to do the prep properly.

[IN2XLENCE]

What is that they say it's 90% PREPARATION 10% INSPIRATION-THEY ain't kiddin'!! You might end up redoing the whole item-might be more than they want to spend...so make them weep when they see they finished product! Never cut corners without there express approval, communicate with total confidance and be known for ...XLENCE!!!!!!!!!

[hershe59]

Thanks for the advice... you both confirmed what I was thinking.
However, lets say, what if I started from scratch as you suggested? Can I use enamel paint or someone suggested that automotive paints are the only ones that will adhere. Like you said there is no sense in taking thew time to do it if it's not going to last. P.S. I'm not getting paid... this is just a favor
:rolleyes:

Thanks again

[Len]

Enamel is good for hand painting because it gives you a lot of time before it starts to dry/harden. Enamel will work but remains soft and can age more quickly than automotive urethanes however, with proper prep work, it could hold up better than the paint that is on the rest of the van. If your plan is to apply clear over the enamel then I recommend that you use a hardener in all of your paint.

[hershe59]

Thanks for the advice... I will pass this info on to the person asking to have the job done and leave it up to them .... i don't want to take any chances on screwing up a sentimental piece of art (which this just happen to be)
I will definitly add a coat of clear over it and the hardner sounds like a good idea as well.
have a great holiday!