How To Paint A Car

Learning how to paint a car can be a lot of fun. Not only is it cheaper to paint it yourself, but you can place paint highlights where ever you want. You have the vision which makes you the expert on what you want done.

Items needed:

• Screwdrivers (one standard, one Phillips)
• Paint gun
• Primer
• Paint
• Sand paper
• Masking tape
• Masking paper
• Paint booth (or other area well ventilated and protected from the elements)
• Paint mask, coat and cap
• Fan for ventilation (optional)

1. Put down on paper exactly what you want the vehicle to look like when you are finished. Be very specific about what items you are going to want to use.
2. Purchase all of the materials listed in step one.  You may want to get a couple of samples to try on the car before you commit to a color that might not look as good on the car as you thought it would.
3. Use a screwdriver to remove all of the trim to avoid getting overspray on it. Overspray can be removed, but it is very time consuming and tedious. If it can be avoided, do.
4. Sand the car. Sanding provides increased adherence for primer paints.
5. Move the car to a paint booth (or other area well ventilated and protected from the elements). A paint booth is an enclosed area designed specifically to paint vehicles. They are normally equipped with air compressors, paint guns, and fans to ventilate the area to prevent paint fume inhalation.
6. Mask the car. Be careful to not leave gaps that paint can get through.
7. Put on protective gear. This includes a respirator (or paint mask at the least), a long sleeved paint coat to prevent overspray on your body and a paint cap to do the same for your hair.
8. Primer the car. This undercoat treatment prevents rust and extends the life of your paint by giving successive coats of paint an ideal bonding environment.
9. Paint the car. Use steady, consistent sweeps with the paint gun to avoid runs in the paint.
10. Allow the paint to cure for at least twelve hours between coats for the most professional looking finish. Most cars require at least three coats.

Tips:

• Old newspapers can be used instead of masking paper to reduce cost and recycle.
• Applying a clear top coat will help protect your paint job.