Auto Painting Tips
Auto painting can be a tricky task if the proper tools are not involved. For non-professional auto painters, easy to come by tips can be a great benefit for a job well done. There is a sense of pride for a vehicle owner knowing that their automobile looks good when rolling down the street. It's always the little things that count the most.
- For the right look for one's vehicle the best thing to do is to get a spray gun. Not everyone owns a spray gun or air gun for painting. Most people think that a few cans of spray paint will do a good-enough job for an automobile. Truth be told, there are few people out there that can spray paint a car from cans and make it look like a professional painter did the job.
- Auto painting should not be done with a paintbrush. Leave paint brushes for canvas paintings and household color schemes. No one wants to see brush marks when they look at their vehicle. An affordable spray gun can make all the difference. It does not have to be professional grade to make an auto look good.
- After stripping or sanding all the existing paint off the vehicle, the best way to start painting is with a primer coat. Primer will help the color coat adhere to the base metal and insure a smooth finish. If there are any mistakes, missed spots or weak spots in the primer coat, the best thing to do is go over that spot again. The primer coat should have an even tone to it.
- When spraying on the color coat make sure to use even back and forth strokes. A steady hand should do the trick. Watch the drying progress; if there are any mistakes it should not be difficult to re-sand, primer, and color that spot to make it look even.
- Some auto paints have polyurethane in them so they should not need a glossy, clear, topcoat. Always read the label to make sure the paint is specifically for vehicles. No one wants the paint to run and have streaks in their paint job. If there is no polyurethane in the color coat, apply a clear coat of paint for a professional look to the job.
- Health and safety come first when painting anything. While painting always use a breathable mask that goes over the nose and mouth, always paint in a well-ventilated area and wear safety goggles. Nothing will ruin an auto paint job faster than a trip to the emergency room.