This article is a simple basic guide, for those who want to venture into the painting process of their car without resorting to the help of specialized body shops.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparing the Body
Step 1. Find a quiet place where you can paint your car without disturbing anyone
You need a place that is very well ventilated, with very little dust, excellent lighting, supplied with electricity and large enough to allow you to move easily around the vehicle. Your garage is not ideal because there may also be a heating boiler installed, or hot water, which could cause the combustion of the paint vapors that accumulate during painting.
Step 2. Get all the materials and equipment you need for the job
Read the section 'Things You Will Need' for a detailed list of all the necessary material. Here is a basic indication of what you will need:
- Painting tools
- Paint
- Tools for sanding and polishing
- Clothing and tools to work in complete safety
Step 3. Remove any rust and repair any dents to prevent them from being visible after painting is complete
Step 4. Remove all the finishes, chrome or plastic, of the body, they are easily removable, you can reassemble them once finished
Many of the car finishes are press fit and can be removed easily, if you encounter resistance do not force them to avoid damaging them. In auto parts stores you can find simple tools designed specifically for these purposes.
Step 5. Sand the paint until the metal of the body, the base coat or at least to make sure that the new paint adheres firmly
You choose where to sand, the best thing of course would be: remove all the layers up to the metal of the body, re-apply a coat of base paint for cars and, finally, the new paint, of the chosen color.
Step 6. Carefully clean all surfaces to be painted
Use turpentine or denatured alcohol, make sure there are no oils of any kind on the bodywork, not even those used for hand or body hydration.
Step 7. Use paper and tape to cover any surfaces that won't be painted
Protect windows, front and rear lights, mirrors, door handles and radiator grille. Make sure there are no cuts or tears in the tape or paper that could cause the paint to get through.
Cover the ground with a plastic sheet to avoid permanently soiling the ground
Part 2 of 2: Painting
Step 1. If you have removed every layer of the previous paint, and what you see is the bare metal of the body, you will need to apply a first base coat, resistant to rust and corrosion, which allows the subsequent paint to adhere securely
Paint every part of the body carefully, pay more attention to the places where you have used the putty or that you have sanded to remove rust, fill in any scratches or imperfections.
Step 2. Let the base coat dry for a long time
Obviously the drying time depends on the type of paint used. Some products specify after how long the final varnish layer can be applied.
Step 3. Sand the base coat to make it smooth and homogeneous
Use a 600 grit sandpaper to remove any blemishes or paint drops. Do not apply too much pressure to avoid completely removing the paint layer, thus exposing the metal of the body to view.
Step 4. Clean all surfaces of the bodywork to remove any traces of grease or oils that may have accumulated during the first stage of painting
Use specific waxes for this purpose or acetone.
Step 5. Spray the final coat of paint on the body
Prepare the paint following the manufacturer's instructions directly on the package. Some paints require the addition of hardening or catalyst additives.
Make sure to dilute the paint following the correct proportions, also according to the tools you use to spread it, be careful not to make it too liquid so as not to lose its shine and to avoid the risk, when finished, of having unsightly halos, due to dripping, on the car body
Step 6. Let the paint dry completely
If you have used a catalyst additive it should be dry to the touch in less than 24 hours, it can take up to 7 days for complete drying. In any case, know that, in the time between the start of the painting and the moment when it is dry, the machine should remain in a dust-free place.
Step 7. Final sanding
Use wet sandpaper, 1200 grit or finer, and wipe all painted surfaces to make them shiny and perfectly smooth. At the end of the process, rinse with water to remove any residue.
- If you wish, you can apply a final layer of protective varnish to make the color you applied even more intense and brilliant.
- In this case, sand the protective layer with 1500-grit wet sandpaper to eliminate dust or any small imperfections.
Step 8. Polish the bodywork to make it shiny using a suitable product
This step will give maximum yield if done by hand. Obviously, the use of electric tools facilitates the process making it faster and easier. However, be very careful when using electric polishers or sanders, you could easily ruin days' work. Perform this step by hand, the final result will make you proud and proud.
Advice
- Be patient and accurate! Paint slowly and take your time. Don't be in a hurry or you'll have to start all over again, wasting a lot of time.
- Remember to always keep the right distance between the paint gun and the car body, you will avoid creating drips.
- Painting is an art and requires time and patience to be best learned. Remember to always have the right attitude and a nice smile on your face.
- Remember to connect the car body to the ground via an electric cable, you will avoid build-up of static electricity that could attract dust particles.
