A quality paint job can enhance the appearance of your car. However, hiring a professional could cost you anywhere from $300 to $1,000. Even though it costs less to do it yourself, some people fear the paint job won't be as good. This assumption is not always true. By following a few simple steps, you can paint your car using the same techniques as many professionals and receive the same results.
Instructions
1. Find an appropriate location for the job. Select a location that is open, ventilated and well lit. If needed, use a tarp to protect the ground or nearby items.
2. Wash the car. Clean the car thoroughly to remove all dirt and road residue. Use a grease remover for any hard-to-clean areas. Failing to properly clean the car will result in paint adherence problems as well as the possibility of dirt and grime setting into your new paint.
3. Use 600 grit sandpaper to sand the car down. This will remove impurities giving you a clean slate to work with. When sanding, it is not necessary to remove the old color. Slightly sand the car with special emphasis on smoothing down any rough areas. Sanding the car may cause chipping. If this happens, use the primer to smooth the surface.
4. Rinse the car to remove loose particles from sanding. Failure to thoroughly rinse the car will cause sand particles to set underneath your paint.
5. Use painter's tape to protect other areas on your car from exposure to paint. Another option would be to remove trim pieces. For example, you can remove the bumpers or the side mirrors.
6. Prep your paint. The mix should be 50 percent paint and 50 percent mineral spirits. Contact your local auto store or body shop to inquire about the best paint selections. Mix the paint so that it is not too thin and not too thick. If the paint is too thin it will leave drips on your car. If the paint is too thick, it will take longer to dry.
7. Paint the car. Use a 4-inch brush to apply the paint. Dip the brush into the paint until the tip is completely submerged. To avoid noticeable brush strokes, apply a thick layer of paint and slowly glide over the surface. Remember to always stroke in the same direction. To avoid paint lines, paint large, seamless areas individually. For example, paint the entire driver's side door. Letting a partially painted area dry will cause rough edges when you resume.
Start with the roof and work your way down. Once you have completed your first layer, look over the job and use your paint brush with a small amount of paint to lightly smooth any drips, bubbles or rough edges. Apply three layers of paint and allow at least six hours of drying time between each coat.
8. Apply a thin layer of clear coat. It may take a full day of drying before you get to this step. Use a different brush, but the same brush technique to apply the clear coat. Allow the clear coat to dry for approximately 90 minutes.
9. Remove the painter's tape from your trims.
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