How to use the 2k Lacquer Kit

2k Lacquer Kit

What does 2k mean?:
The terms "2k", "2 Pac" or "2 Part" all mean the same thing. It generally means the product is a 2 component system, usually consisting of the main product and some kind of activator. In most cases, the main product wont work or cure without the activator or hardener being added. 2k products are generally regarded as the best and most durable, compared to 1k based products.



What do I get in the kit?:
As mentioned above, 2k products need both the main product, plus an activator to make the 2 components work. You will find 2 bottles within the kit, one is larger than the other. You will also have 5 mixing cups and 5 mixing sticks included within the kit.



Lacquer and Activator:
In this 2k system, we have a 2k Lacquer and a 2k Activator. One without the other is pretty useless. Once mixed together the Lacquer is "activated" and you have a limited amount of time to use the mixture before it completely hardens. Under normal temperatures, you will have around 30-60 minutes to use the activated lacquer, before it becomes too difficult to work with. After 24 hours it should have completely hardened and is suitable for working on. On hotter days, or in warmer climates, the mixture may go off more quickly than stated above. Adding more hardener than recommended will also speed up the solution drying time, reducing it's workability time.



How to mix the 2 components:
How much "Lacquer" to add to a cup is entirely up to you, depending on what you are wanting to do. A little goes a long way, so we recommend just adding a small amount of product to to a mixing cup. Firstly, add the larger bottle solution, labelled "2k Lacquer", to the mixing cup.



What is the Ratio?
Once the Lacquer has been added to the cup, it is time to add some of the "2k Activator" from the smaller bottle. The correct ratio is "2:1", which means it is 2 parts Lacquer and 1 part Activator. The easiest way to understand this ratio is exactly half or 50% of activator is needed, to the amount of lacquer that was added to the cup.

Don't worry about getting the ratio exact, it doesn't have to be perfect for touching cars up. As long as there is some activator added to the lacquer, it will be activated and dry solid and shiny as required. Adding more activator will make the mixture dry faster, but adding too much may compromise the final product over time. We advise aiming to get as close as roughly possible to the 2:1 mix it requires. The mixture will gradually thicken as it slowly cures, becoming jelly like, before completely hardening.

Once you have added the 2 components, use one of the supplied mixing sticks to mix the 2 solutions together.



The product is now activated and ready to use. You have a sufficient but limited time to use the product before it starts to become unworkable. The cup and mixture should be disposed off after its intended work time in a suitable bin.



Once applied to the vehicle, the product should be left a sufficient amount of time before being worked on. The product should have dried completely hard and shiny if mixed and applied correctly. We recommend waiting 24 hours before any sanding and polishing should take place.

Thankyou for reading this article. We hope you enjoy using the 2k Lacquer Kit from Paint Gear!