When the paint on the car begins to fade or chip, it may be time for a new paint job. Most people usually go to professionals to give their cars that new look. However, if you're the adventurous type, and you're up to it, you can paint the car yourself and save money in the process. It is a labor-intensive job and would require a steady hand and an eye for detail. Equally important are high-quality materials and right tools for the job. Read on and find out do a quality paint job on your car.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Remove the original paint by sanding the entire car using a dual action sander and 180-grit sandpaper. The surface of the car should be smooth and free of any trace of paint. It is perfectly alright to have some undercoat or primer showing.
2. Use a wax and grease remover to wipe the entire car down. Using paper and masking tape, cover areas or parts of the car that should not be painted--tires, headlights, bumpers, fenders, chrome, exterior mirrors, etc.
3. Using light, even strokes, spray the entire car with a few coats of primer, and then let it dry for an hour.
4. Slowly sand the surface using a long sanding block and 300 grit-sandpaper. This will allow high points and dents to show. Repair surface irregularities using body filler followed by another coating of primer. Re-sand the entire car again to make the surface smooth.
5. Remove the paper and tape, then re-cover the same parts and areas with more paper and tape. Then, using wax and grease remover, wipe the car down again.
Painting
6. Using a spray gun, apply three thin coats of paint on the surface of the vehicle. Use horizontal, even strokes for this application. After each coat application, dry for 30 minutes before reapplying another coat.
7. Using clear coat paint, spray four coats on the entire surface, to help seal and protect the paint. After the clear coats have all dried, sand and smooth the entire car using very fine grit sandpaper (1,500 will do). Be sure to keep the sandpaper soaking wet and just apply light pressure.
8. Finish the car off with a buffer and liquid rubbing compound. This will give your car a high gloss look and will remove pieces of litter and small runs in the paint. Don't forget to remove the paper and masking tape too!
