Thin 20% for spraying (5 parts Zero Rust to 1 part thinner). The color black is slightly thicker and should be thinned 25% (4 parts Zero Rust to 1 part thinner). Despite what the can label says, it has to be thinned to spray!
Set gun pressure to manufacturer's recommendations.
It can be thinned with lacquer thinner or a urethane reducer like PPG's DT-870. Use a medium temperature, not a slow dry!
Apply in medium coats allowing each coat to dry to the touch. (Rick allows a full 20-30 minutes between coats). This is the most important thing to remember with Zero Rust! NEVER spray heavy wet coats. Because it seals so well, you'll trap solvents and be left with a soft finish for a LONG time. Don't rush it...be patient!
Rick suggests 3 medium coats for proper coverage & protection.
The full cure can take from only a couple days to a couple weeks depending how wet the coats are applied. It will get tougher and harder with time.
Zero Rust accepts recoating easily and only needs a light scuff, if after a week. Zero Rust can be topcoated with urethane ONLY with extreme caution as lifting or wrinkling can occur because of their strong solvents. The film must be fully cured and hard enough to not be penetrated with a fingernail before recoating. Apply a light first coat to prevent shocking the finish. Allow this first coat to dry to the touch and then proceed with a normal coat.
Zero Rust is NOT recommended for use on exterior areas where a finish system will be used. It is best suited to coating underbody areas, inside body panels, floor pans, etc.
Zero Rust can be used in hidden areas such as inside doors, deck lids, etc. by thinning from 40 to 50% and pouring it into the cavities. Coat the inner surfaces by rotating the part. Excess can be drained back into a container for future use. Be sure to "mop" up any overflow drips.