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Can Metallic Colors of KBS MAXX Be Brushed?

Yes, metallic colors of KBS MAXX can be brushed. Brush out the coat, let it set for a few minutes, then lightly brush the surface again in one direction. That second light pass helps float the metallic pigments to the surface for an even sparkle. Spraying still gives the most uniform metallic finish, so use this technique when spraying is not an option.

Brushing Metallic KBS MAXX: Quick Facts

Technique: brush out, wait a few minutes, one light pass in one direction
Brush: poly bristle brush, or a high-density foam or low profile roller
Thinning: ready to brush as mixed; KBS #1 Thinner or xylene only if needed
Recoat window: 30 minutes to 3 days, no scuffing
Mix small batches for brushing. Mixed KBS MAXX doubles in viscosity in 30 minutes. A thickening batch drags under the brush and leaves marks that will not flow out, so mix only what you can brush out in that window.

The Two-Pass Brush Technique

  1. Mix the KBS MAXX Base thoroughly with a mechanical mixer, then add MAXX Activator at 3 parts Base to 1 part Activator. See how to mix KBS MAXX for the full process.
  2. Brush the area out with a poly bristle brush and move on. Do not brush the same spot over and over.
  3. Let the coat set for a few minutes.
  4. Lightly brush the surface again, with every stroke running in the same direction. This is the pass that floats the metallic pigments up.
  5. Recoat any time from 30 minutes to 3 days after the first coat, with no scuffing needed.

Why not keep brushing until it looks right? Reworking an area forces the solvents out and speeds up the cure, so the brush marks lose their chance to flow out. KBS MAXX is designed to level on its own. Lay it down, make the one light pass, and leave it.

If You Can Spray, Spray

Spraying is still the best way to get a uniform metallic finish. The KBS MAXX directions give a specific technique for single stage metallics like KBS MAXX: spray a full covering coat, wait a minute or two but not long enough for it to tack over, then apply a mist coat while holding the gun farther from the surface and pulling the trigger only 50 to 75 percent.

For HVLP, the directions call for 15 to 20 psi air pressure and a 1.0 to 1.5mm tip, such as the KBS HVLP Spray Gun with the 1.4mm tip. KBS MAXX is pre-thinned and ready to spray as mixed. Our Paint Spraying Guidelines cover gun setup in more detail.

KBS MAXX Metallic Colors

The current metallic colors are Gunmetal Metallic, Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic Satin, Relic Metallic Blue in gloss and matte, and Silverpine Green Metallic. To see a color in your own light before you order, request a free color sample.

Frequently Asked Questions: Brushing Metallic KBS MAXX

Can Metallic Colors of KBS MAXX Be Brushed?

Yes. Brush out the KBS MAXX, let the coat set for a few minutes, then lightly brush the surface again in one direction. The second pass helps float the metallic pigments to the surface for an even metallic sparkle.

A poly bristle brush. A high-density foam roller or a low profile roller also works on larger flat areas.

No. KBS MAXX and MAXX Activator are pre-thinned and ready to brush as mixed. If you do need to reduce it, use KBS #1 Thinner or xylene only. Never reduce KBS MAXX with lacquer thinner, which is not compatible as a reducer and is for cleanup only.

Usually from overworking it. Brushing the same area repeatedly forces the solvents out and speeds up the cure, so the marks cannot flow out. Brush an area and move on. A batch that is past its 30 minute pot life will also drag, so mix small batches.

Spray a full covering coat, wait a minute or two but not long enough for it to tack, then apply a light mist coat while holding the gun farther from the surface and pulling the trigger only 50 to 75 percent.

Gunmetal Metallic, Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic Satin, Relic Metallic Blue in gloss and matte, and Silverpine Green Metallic.

Still have questions about KBS MAXX? Contact us for help.

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