Best Ways to Repaint a Classic Auto

There is nothing more rewarding than restoring a classic car. Repainting your classic car may take a little time, but the effort will be worth it. It is important to repaint a classic auto in an original color if you want the car to increase in value. Here is the best way to repaint a classic auto.

Preparing Your Classic Auto for Painting

1. Wash your car thoroughly. Rise well so there is not soap residue left on the car.

2. Remove anything that you do not want painted that is removable such as; emblems, mirrors or bumpers.

3. Cover windows, windshields, tires, trim and anything else that does not get painted. Use painter's tape or masking tape and plastic sheeting.

4. If you have cracks or scratches, use a filler to fill them in.

5. Sand away any rusty areas of the car. Repair those areas if the rust damage is bad.

6. If your car has the original paint you will only need to sand the car lightly with sandpaper (320 grit). The idea of sanding is to take the gloss of the paint so the primer will adhere well.

7. If you car has had multiple paint jobs, you might need to sand down to the bare metal.

8. Wet sand the car to smooth out the surface. Use 400 wet grit sandpaper.

9. If you notice any additional dents or scratches, this is the time to fix them. Make sure your repaired surfaces are baby smooth before painting.

Painting your Classic Auto

1. Use masking tape and plastic to cover any areas of the car that will not be painted.

2. Using an electric paint sprayer, prime your car. Priming will help your paint adhere and give you a smooth finish.

3. Lightly sand the primer using a sanding block. Do not sand down to the metal. Be sure the finish is smooth.

4. Wipe the car down to rid it of dust.

5. Prime the car once again. Use finer sandpaper, after your second coat of primer has dried, to give it a smooth finish.

6. Remove all masking tape and plastic covering and replace with clean masking tape and covering.

7. Wipe the car down once more being sure to remove any particles of debris.

8. Holding the paint gun 10-12 inches from the car, spray your base coat. Use even strokes. Allow to dry completely.

9. Repeat step 8 for the topcoat.

10. After your car has dried, you can apply the clear coat. Typically, a car has two to three layers of clear coat applied over the paint. You must wait until each coat dries before applying another coat.