Auto Painting for Beginners
If your car needs a new paint job you have two choices: you can take it in to an auto body shop and have it painted for you or you can learn how to do it yourself. If you take it in to an auto body shop you can expect to have a hefty price tag for the paint job. Learning how to paint your own car will save you a lot of money in the long run. The end result is well worth the time and effort that you will put into it.
Materials
- Sandpaper
- Paint
- Spray gun
- Masking tape
- Rubber gloves
- Respiratory mask
- Protective eyewear
- Call your local city and county government offices and see if there are any laws in which you must abide by when painting your own car. Sometimes laws are put in place for the safety of yourself and others in regard to what type of paint may be used or where your car must be when you paint it.
- Clean out the area where you will be painting your car. Remove any items that are able to be moved and cover any remaining items with a tarp to protect them from the fine particles of paint settling on your belongings.
- Open all of your windows and doors in your garage to ensure proper ventilation of your workspace. You do not want to breathe in paint fumes and become ill.
- Apply a commercial car wash that provides a grease remover. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on how to apply to your car. You will want to make sure that all debris, grease and fine particles are removed from your car prior to beginning the painting process.
- Sand your car paying careful attention to any scratches or dents that you may find. Take your time and go over your car well ensuring that your car is well sanded and all imperfections have been removed.
- Apply masking tape to protect any areas that you do not want to paint. Be sure to cover all windows with newspaper and attach with tape. Be sure you do not forget to do the headlights and taillights.
- Put on your protective gear in preparation to beginning working with chemicals. Respiratory mask, gloves and protective eyewear should all be worn.
- Apply epoxy primer to your car first. This will act as a protective coating that will protect the body from water damage such as rust.
- Apply a coat of standard primer over the epoxy. This primer coat will protect the epoxy coat from any damage.
- Apply your top coat in the paint in which you chose using a spray gun. Make sure that you hold the paint gun at least 6" away to ensure an even coat. Continue until your entire car is covered in an even coat.
- Allow to dry thoroughly and then check for evenness and tone. If you are satisfied, then your job is complete. You can remove your tape and newspaper once paint is fully cured. If you want a deeper color or have uneven patches apply another coat of paint.