How to install VJ panels on a timber frame?

[SPP]

Hi, 

I want to rip off my old MDF walls and place brand new VJ Panels onto the timber frame. 

From the videos I have seen, the timber frame needs to have a set spacing.

Can someone here explain why the timber frame needs to have set spacing. What if the spacing I have is not as per VJ Panel manufacturer specification. What can I do in this regard? 

Regards
Sree 

[SPP]

Thanks @EricL, @Dave-1 , @JacobZ and @MitchellMc 

I applied the paint stripper to the Aluminium frame but did not have much look. 

I then tried sanding the frame down and that seemed to make it a bit better but the tool I have is a round sander so not much surface contact area. 

I then tried applying paint stripper to steel wool and going through the Aluminum frame, that seemed to yield better results but nothing outstanding, what should I do now? 

[Dave-1]

Evening @SPP 

The paintstripper will work, its just not fast. Any chance of a photo of the window/paint that you have stripped?

Dave

[SPP]

Hi @Dave-1 , @EricL , @JacobZ , @MitchellMc 

Yeah, there has been some progress, see attached photos (focused only on the Aluminum Frame). 

I guess from here, it is more stripper and elbow grease - unless there are other suggestions? 

[Dave-1]

Evening @SPP 

Yep More stripper. You can see it working, just take it slow and easy and follow the paint strippers directions, dont do a large section all at once, small section, time and then scrape that layer away. It will take a few coats id say. Once most is away then you can clean up the areas and sand the paint on the timber smooth again to prep for repainting.

Dave

[JacobZ]

Hi @SPP,

It's starting to look good. 

As @Dave-1 has said, keep at it you're almost there.

If you don't already have one, these Kincrome Safety Folding Scrapers will be great for cleaning up those little bits left over.

Just make sure you wear gloves when using them as they are fairly sharp.

Let me know if there's anything else we can assist with.

Jacob

[SPP]

Thanks @JacobZ, @EricL, @MitchellMc and @Dave-1 

I don't have the tool that @JacobZ recommended but I do have a generic paint scraper tool. I imagine that will do the same job. 

Basically, the message I am getting here is: 

1) Apply stripper and elbow grease. 

2) Remove as much as I can. 

3) Repeat Steps 1 - 2, for a total of 2 - 3 times.  

4) Once I have done a total of 3 paint stripper, steel wool wipe down I can move to a light sand down (of the Aluminum Frame AND Timber Section). 

5) Apply a nice coat of primer on the timber frame. 

6) Apply two coats of paint onto the timber frame, no need to touch the Aluminum section. 

Does anyone here have experience of painting VJ Panels? I just wanted to get a spray painter and go right over the panels. Would this be OK? 

[Dave-1]

Evening @SPP 

I dont think Id use sandpaper on the aluminium, maybe a course side of a dishwashing sponge and some elbow grease and try to clean it up as much as possible. I am not sure how your suggestion to sand the aluminium will go.

Dave

[SPP]

Thanks @Dave-1 

What about a heat gun?

[Dave-1]

Evening @SPP 

A heat gun to remove paint works, but as you are using paint stripper I think that is better. I would NOT mix the two together lol

Elbow grease and some more elbow grease. I have found that trying to do it faster or easier generally ends up taking as much time and more $$$ then elbow grease alone.

Dave

[JacobZ]

Hi @SPP,

I haven't personally used a spray gun to paint VJ panels, but I have seen it done effectively.

They are incredibly useful, reduce the labour required significantly and if the prep work is done correctly, they will give you a fantastic finish.

You might like to check out these articles for some guidance:

• How To Choose A Paint Sprayer
• Power Painting
• Why It's Worth Buying A Paint Sprayer
   

The steps you've written out look good to me.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob