What is the best way to apply RAPTOR 2K Protective Coating?

RAPTOR 2K can be applied using a Schutz spray gun, Professional Vari-Nozzle spray gun, HVLP gravity-fed spray gun, roller kit, or 2K aerosol. The best method depends on project size, the finish you want, and the equipment you have available.

What air pressure should I use when spraying RAPTOR 2K?

For a standard textured finish, typical settings are 40–60 PSI depending on the spray gun and desired texture. Lower pressures (around 30–40 PSI) with a wide pattern can help achieve smoother finishes when using a Vari-Nozzle gun.

Can I achieve a smoother finish with RAPTOR 2K?

Yes. Using a Professional Vari-Nozzle or HVLP spray gun, adjusting pressure and optionally reducing RAPTOR with U-POL S20 Universal Thinners can produce a fine texture or smooth eggshell-like finish. Note that smoother finishes may be less durable than a full textured RAPTOR finish.

What conditions are recommended for applying RAPTOR 2K?

Ideal conditions are around 20°C with humidity below 60%. Avoid extremely hot or cold temperatures and avoid spraying in direct sunlight to help achieve consistent texture and proper cure performance.

Navigate this How-To Guide

Applying RAPTOR 2K Protective Coating is a simple process whether you’re using a spray gun, roller, or aerosol. However, achieving a professional-quality finish comes down to technique, preparation, patience, and consistency.

Before going any further, ensure you have read our How-To Guides for repairing and preparing a surface. Also be sure to read the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for your specific RAPTOR 2K product. Your surface must be properly prepared before applying RAPTOR.

Ensure appropriate PPE is worn and that you are working in a ventilated workspace. Avoid spraying under direct UV exposure. If it must be done outside, try spraying under gazebos or use an inflatable spray booth. Ensure the temperature on the day you spray is suitable for application.

Choose Your RAPTOR

RAPTOR 2K Protective Coating comes in a range of formats, each designed to meet your needs and project requirements.

Spray Gun: The traditional method for applying RAPTOR 2K. With the RAPTOR Schutz Spray Gun or RAPTOR Professional Vari-Nozzle Spray Gun, simply screw in your RAPTOR bottle, dial in your pressure and texture, and spray. Alternatively, for more professional applications, RAPTOR can be sprayed through a gravity-fed HVLP spray gun.

Roller: If you’re looking to apply RAPTOR 2K on a small project or flat surface, or don’t have access to a compressor, the RAPTOR Roller & Tray Kit is the way to go.

Aerosol: The RAPTOR 2K Aerosol is the perfect solution for touch-ups and small projects when you don’t have a compressor handy, providing the same tough, textured coating available in RAPTOR Bottle Kits in the convenience of an aerosol.

How to Use a RAPTOR Schutz Spray Gun

The RAPTOR Schutz Spray Gun is the most common and easiest way to apply RAPTOR 2K Bottle Kits. It’s as easy as mixing your product as per our How-To Mix RAPTOR 2K Guide, screwing in your bottle, adjusting your pressure, and getting ready to spray.

The RAPTOR Schutz Spray Gun has a fixed nozzle size and will spray RAPTOR 2K as a tough, coarse, heavily textured finish. It is suitable for a variety of applications; however, the Schutz Gun is commonly used for underbodies, chassis, and heavy-duty applications.

When applying, here are a few tips that can help you achieve a professional finish:

Use an even sweeping motion across your work surface
Overlap each pass by 50%
Where possible, keep your spray gun perpendicular to the surface
Keep moving to avoid excessive build-up
Ensure your compressor hose is free of any obstacles

Customising your finish with the RAPTOR Schutz Spray Gun

When customising your finish, the RAPTOR Schutz Spray Gun doesn’t allow for much adjustment; however, by adjusting the pressure and spray distance, you can achieve different finishes and textures. Before spraying, always test on cardboard or a practice surface to ensure the finish is what you’re after.

Standard RAPTOR Texture

Set your compressor at 40–60 PSI (2.75–4.10 Bar)
Keep your spray gun approximately 50 cm from the surface
Apply 2 coats with an even sweeping motion

Coarse, Heavy Texture

After mixing, allow RAPTOR 2K to stand for 10 minutes
Set your compressor at 45 PSI (3 Bar)
Keep your spray gun approximately 50 cm from the surface
Apply an even, heavy first coat. For your second coat, reduce your pressure and spray RAPTOR as a fine mist

How to Use the RAPTOR Professional Vari-Nozzle Spray Gun

For a more versatile application, the RAPTOR Professional Vari-Nozzle Spray Gun is the ideal solution. Equipped with a variable nozzle, it allows you to customise and adjust your finish and texture while providing a direct-from-bottle spray with RAPTOR 2K Bottle Kits.

With a combination of thinners and the variable nozzle, you can take your RAPTOR 2K from the classic RAPTOR finish through to a fine textured or smooth eggshell-like finish. Your ability to spray and customise RAPTOR 2K grows with experience, so take the time to fine-tune your texture and practise on spare panels or cardboard.

When applying, here are a few tips to help achieve a professional finish:

Use an even sweeping motion across your work surface
Overlap each pass by 50% and keep your spray gun perpendicular to the surface
Keep moving to avoid excessive build-up
Record your gun settings, including air pressure and nozzle size, so you can replicate your finish for touch-ups and future projects
After finishing your job, ensure your spray gun is dismantled and thoroughly cleaned with thinners or spray gun cleaner to prevent clogging.

Customising your finish with the RAPTOR Professional Vari-Nozzle Spray Gun

Customising your finish is straightforward with the RAPTOR Professional Vari-Nozzle Spray Gun. By adjusting the variable nozzle, you can control both flow and finish.

Standard RAPTOR Texture

Set your compressor to 40–50 PSI (2.75–3.45 Bar)
Adjust your nozzle to a medium fan pattern
Apply 2 wet coats at 40–50 cm from the surface
For a coarse texture, slightly increase distance and reduce pressure on the second coat

Smooth Finish

Set your compressor at 30–40 PSI (2.1–2.75 Bar)
Adjust your nozzle to a wide spray pattern
Apply 2 light to medium coats at 20–30 cm from the surface
Reduce RAPTOR by 10–20% with U-POL S20 Universal Thinners if necessary. Note that a smoother finish will not be as durable as a full textured RAPTOR finish

How to Spray RAPTOR with a HVLP Gravity-Fed Spray Gun

Suitable for spray shops, professional applications, and commercial setups, RAPTOR 2K Protective Coating can be applied through an HVLP gravity-fed spray gun. As RAPTOR contains a heavy medium, proper preparation and cleaning must be undertaken to ensure the longevity of your equipment and the quality of your spray finish.

Customising your RAPTOR finish a HVLP Spray Gun

Applying RAPTOR through an HVLP spray gun allows for expert levels of control over texture and finish. By changing tip sizes, reducing RAPTOR, and adjusting spray patterns and pressure, you can create the exact finish you require.

Standard RAPTOR Texture

Spray through a 1.6–2.0 mm tip at 29 PSI (2 Bar)
Reduce RAPTOR by 15% with U-POL S20 Universal Thinners
Apply 2 coats as an even wet application

Fine Texture

Spray through a 1.6–2.0 mm tip at 29 PSI (2 Bar)
Reduce RAPTOR by 15% with U-POL S20 Universal Thinners
Apply at 20 cm from the surface. Apply your first coat wet and reduce pressure and flow to a fine mist for the second coat

How to Use the RAPTOR Roller & Tray Kit

Perfect for mess-free projects, flat surfaces, and small jobs, the RAPTOR Roller & Tray Kit makes it easy to apply RAPTOR 2K Protective Coating. RAPTOR rollers are polyurethane-compatible and textured to replicate the signature RAPTOR finish.

Tips for consistent results:

Apply 3 coats of RAPTOR, allowing 60 minutes between coats to prevent build-up and solvent trapping
Use a solvent-compatible brush to cut in edges and hard-to-reach areas
Apply RAPTOR slowly with medium pressure on your roller
Replace your roller every 1–2 bottles to prevent degradation

How to Use RAPTOR 2K Aerosols

A quick and easy solution for repairs, spot jobs, and hard-to-access areas, the RAPTOR 2K Aerosol delivers reliable 2K performance without the need for additional equipment.

Tips for best results:

Shake the can vigorously for at least 2 minutes before and after activation
For your first coat, spray from at least 1 metre away from the surface to avoid excessive build-up
Maintain an even spray pattern with a 50% overlap, spraying off the edge of the surface before returning for the next pass
After using approximately half of the aerosol, shake again for 1–2 minutes to prevent settling

After activation, you will have approximately 1 hour of working time before the can expires.

Customising your finish with RAPTOR 2K Aerosols

Standard RAPTOR Texture

Apply the first coat heavily at 1 metre from the surface
Turn the can upside down and spray to clear the valve
After 20 minutes, apply a second coat in the same manner

Coarse, Heavy Texture

Apply the first coat heavily at 1 metre from the surface
Turn the can upside down and spray to clear the valve
After 20 minutes, apply a lighter second coat at a greater distance

Temperature & Conditions for Applying RAPTOR 2K

When applying RAPTOR 2K, be mindful of environmental conditions. Avoid extremely hot or cold temperatures, as excessive heat can cause RAPTOR to flash off too quickly, creating uneven texture, while very low temperatures will reduce cure performance and adhesion.

The ideal conditions for applying RAPTOR are around 20°C with humidity below 60%. Avoid direct sunlight or the hottest part of the day to help achieve a consistent, professional finish.

How Long Does RAPTOR 2K Take to Cure?

RAPTOR 2K becomes touch-dry quickly but takes longer to fully harden. Keep your project out of direct sunlight and ensure it remains dry for at least the first 72 hours to prevent damage or spotting.

Suggested curing guide (refer to your TDS for exact values):

Flash-off: 60 minutes (@20°C) between coats

Touch dry: less than 1 hour (@20°C)

Full cure: 5–7 days

Pro Tips for Professional Results

Always test spray on cardboard or a practice panel before coating your project to fine-tune texture and pressure
Maintain a consistent 50% overlap with each pass to ensure even texture and coverage
Keep your spray gun perpendicular to the surface and continue moving to avoid excessive build-up or running
Record your spray gun settings (pressure, tip size, nozzle position, thinning ratio) so you can replicate your finish for future projects or touch-ups
Thoroughly clean your spray equipment immediately after use with thinners or spray gun cleaner to prevent clogging and extend the life of your spray gun

Related How-To Guides

Q: How long does RAPTOR 2K take to cure?

At 20°C, allow around 60 minutes flash-off between coats. RAPTOR becomes touch dry in under 1 hour, but full cure typically takes 5–7 days. Keep the surface dry and out of direct sunlight for at least the first 72 hours.