What should I use for reducing 1 Shot Lettering Enamel?

To enhance flow characteristics, you can reduce with 1 Shot Reducer, also available in low and high temp versions. Never use Mineral Spirits

Why am I getting "Fish Eyes" or "Crawling" when using 1 Shot Paints?

If a surface is not thoroughly cleaned, it may still contain waxes, oils or silicons. Clean with a good surface prep and degreaser.

Can I reduce or eliminate the gloss of my 1 Shot Lettering Enamels?

Yes. Our 1 Shot / Chromatic #4329500 Flattening Paste can be used in varying ratios to reduce gloss, or even create a dead flat finish.

Where can I buy 1 Shot and Chromatic Paints?

Check our DISTRIBUTORS page within this website, and remember that if your local distributor doesn't have the product you need, call us at 219-949-1684, and we'll help you to locate everything you need!

Can I clear coat over 1 Shot Lettering Enamels?

Yes. It's important that your paint is completely dry prior to overcoating. We recommend that you use our 1 Shot #4007 Hardener, and wait at least 24 hours prior to clearing. Adding up to 20% Hardener, with no other reducers, will allow for overcoating with automotive type urethane clears after 24 hours. Always apply the first two coats of clear very light and dry when clear coating.

What should I know about painting 1 Shot Lettering Enamels through a mask?

When applying paint through a computer-generated or hand cut mask, always remove the masking material once the paint "tacks" (usually about 15-20 minutes), but before it dries.

How do I obtain MSDS information regarding 1 Shot and Chromatic Products?

Simply click on the "Ask Louie" button below, or email us at AskLouie@Hotmail.com, and we can provide you with .PDF files on your favorite 1 Shot / Chromatic paint products.

Why won't my 1 Shot Lettering Enamels dry on a banner?

To letter on a banner (or any vinyl-based, flexible surface such as awnings, tonnau covers, leather garments), the banner must have an "Enamel Receptive Coating" on it. If you don't have a "ERC" banner, you can coat the banner first with our Ti-Cote product to make it enamel receptive.

What procedure should I follow to prepare MDO for 1 Shot or Chromatic Enamels?

Clean the surface thoroughly, then scuff lightly with an abrasive pad. On unprimed MDO, prime with Chromatic Primer. On pre-primed MDO, after using a tack rag to remove any residual sanding dust, roller on your Lettering or Background Enamel. Apply in two or three light coats, as opposed to one heavy coat. If you get little bubbles in the surface, (usually from using a foam roller) immediatly re-roller, but slightly "lift" on the roller frame, taking virtually all the pressure off the roller.

How do I avoid wrinking in my Lettering or Background Enamels?

Never try to recoat a painted surface until the first coat of paint is dry. Always follow the suggested recoating times for best results.

What if I need a color not offered by 1 Shot?

1 Shot Lettering Enamels are infinitely mixable. By combining from our 44 color selection, and/or our special Tinting White, Tinting Black, and Super Gloss Tinting Clear, you can create ANY color, in various configurations ranging from opaque to glistening, transparent candy colors.

How do I mix a PMS color match using 1 Shot Paints?

PMS formulations, used primarily in the offset and screen printing fields, are created by mixing three transparent colors (cyan, magenta and yellow), as well as black. While absolute matching is difficult, we can provide you with relatively accurate mixes, by simply clicking on the "Ask Louie" button , or emailing us at AskLouie@Hotmail.com below, and requesting your color match.

Is it acceptable to store my 1 Shot Lettering Enamels in squeeze bottles?

While it's acceptable, there are a couple of important points to remember. Normal "plastic" (PVF, PVC, etc.) squeeze bottles, as found at beauty supply centers and even through some sign supply sources, can allow for plasticizer migration, from the bottle to the paint; resulting in slower drying times, lower gloss levels and ultimately, reduced exterior durability.

Make sure the bottles you store your 1 Shot in are made of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate ); and it's advisable, when practical, to store those bottles upside-down, to help prevent skinning over of your paint. When storing 1 Shot Metallics or Pearlescents in PET bottles, drop a ball bearing into the bottle, to aid in thorough mixing when shaking your bottles.

At One Shot, We Know That It's Important That You Get The Right Information About Our Paint Products and Procedures. We've Chosen to Provide Technical Support in Written, Email Form, So That We Can Best Answer Your Questions as a Team; and in Doing So, Give You Accurate, Professional Answers as Emails, Making it Easier For You to Refer Back to Them, and Have Part Numbers and Step-by-Step Instructions in Writing.