TM55-1500-345-23
c.
MIL-L-46159 must be thinned to spraying
4-13. TOUCH UP AND REPAIR WITH
MIL-L-46159. Aircraft which are totally painted
viscosity. A suggested starting point is obtained
with MIL-L-46159 paint must be touched up using
by mixing one volume of MIL-L-46159 with approx-
MIL-L-46159. No special surface preparation is
imately one and one-half volumes of thinner com-
necessary except for cleaning. If a small area is
posed of MIL-T-81772, Type Ill. The exact
broken or damaged down to the substrate mate-
thinning ratio must be determined by the user
rial, that area must be sanded, reprimed and top-
and adjusted to the prevailing temperature
and relative humidity. An acceptable alter-
coated. The epoxy primer to use with steel
note thinner consists of 2 parts by volume
substrates is MIL-P-52192 and for aluminum and
toulene (TT-T-548) and 1 part by volume
magnesium
is MIL-P-23377 or
substrates
xylene (ASTM D846). The exact ratio of thin-
MIL-P-85582.
See
Section
II,
ner to paint must be determined by user and
"Primers" f o r d e t a i l s o n p r i m e r u s e a n d a p -
adjusted to the prevailing temperature and
plication. E x t e n s i v e t o p c o a t a r e a s m a y b e
relative humidity.
repaired by renewing' the topcoat over ex-
isting primer if the primer is in good condi-
d.
MIL-L-46159 may be applied over a wide
tion.
temperature range of 40 F (24 C) to 90F (32C),
and wide humidity range of 15 to 70%. High
temperature and/or low humidity may result in dry
spraying. High temperature and/or high humidity
4-14. PREPARATION OF MIL-L-46159.
may result in blushing. To prevent these condi-
tions and to provide a satisfactory finish, MIL-
a. Low reflective paint. MI L-L-46159. must be
E-7125, Ethylene Glycol Monoethylether Acetate
thoroughly mixed in the original container prior to
(cellosolve acetate or commercial equivalent
pouring into the paint application container.
such as Sherwin-Williams R7K206) may be re-
quired to first and second coat, and should be ad-
NOTE
ded. Add up to 30% acrylic retarder (MIL-E-7125 or
commercial equivalent) as required, depending on
Paint application equipment must be
temperature and humidity. (The higher the
clean prior to first use of MIL-L-46159.
temperature and/or humidity, the more retarder re-
Halts of 5 minutes or longer duration
quired.)
during application will require flushing
of the paint lines and spray gun to
remove dried particles prior to restart.
e.
Test the mixture, pressure and spray set-
ing application.
tings on masking paper or similar smooth sur-
Thoroughly mixed paint, MIL-L-46159,
b.
faces prior to aircraft application to assure proper
with appropriate thinner and retarder (as required)
pigment dispersement. Large solids in test spray
should be poured into the paint application con-
are indicative of dry spray and/or insufficient mix-
tainer only in quantities required for use that day.
ing. Add thinner, retarder and/or mix for a longer
period of time, and retest as required to attain
NOTE
smoothest possible surface finish.
IMMEDIATELY after adding paint and
thinner/retarder, agitation should be
4-15. PROCEDURES FOR APPLICA-
started and operated for 1 to 3 hours
T I O N OVER PROPERLY PREPARED SUR-
FACES.
prior to paint application. Paint agita-
tion should be continuously maintained
a.
Apply two coats of MIL-L-46159 lacquer to
on liquids in the paint application con-
a dry film thickness of about 1.5 mils.
tainer.
