Asking a professional to repaint a car can be very expensive. However, you can save a lot of money and have fun doing it yourself! However, keep in mind that painting a car properly requires deep technique and a little practice. Use the steps in this article as a guide, but also observe experienced painters in action and practice on other unused items before you paint your own car.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Getting Ready
Step 1. Find a closed, ventilated, not too dusty, and safe location to do this job
In order to be able to paint your car safely and easily, you need an enclosed space that is well ventilated, not too dusty, has good lighting, and is spacious so that you can easily get around your car. The garage may be a good place for this job, but don't use this room if there is a water heater or other source that could potentially cause a fire when exposed to paint fumes that will build up as you paint.
- Painting vehicles in a garage may not be allowed in your area. Check with the authorities before proceeding.
- Cover the interior of the room with a tarp to protect it from spray paint and reduce the amount of dust that might stick to the freshly sprayed paint.
Step 2. Include safety equipment when you collect materials
When you shop at a home supply store, paint store, and/or auto parts store for sprayers, primers, primers, emery tools, and other materials for painting purposes, be sure to also purchase safety and health kits. The main thing to buy is a respirator (gas mask). Find out how to use it properly.
- Choose a respirator designed and sold for vehicle painting.
- Also, wear safety goggles, nitrile gloves, and a disposable plastic shirt with a hood when you remove the old coat of paint and apply the new paint.
- See "Things You'll Need" at the bottom for a complete list of the materials needed for this job.
Step 3. Match the old paint color (if desired) based on the vehicle color code
The vehicle's color code can be seen on the "compliance plate" under the hood. This plate also includes the VIN number and other important vehicle info. The car's color code can also be seen on the inside of the door frame on the driver's side, near a location that contains some information such as the ideal tire pressure for the car.
- Show the car paint dealer the color code so you can get the right paint.
- If you can't get the code, contact the car manufacturer for the correct code.
- Alternatively, some auto supply stores may be able to match the paint color without using a code.
- You can also paint the car a new color if you want!
Method 2 of 5: Sanding, Cleaning and Covering the Car
Step 1. Remove any removable chrome or plastic trim (embellishments and trim) easily
Many panels on the car body can be "removed" and reinstalled easily. However, if you can't gently remove it, don't force it. Auto supply stores usually sell tools that can be used to help remove car trim.
- Refer to the car's manual for how to properly remove the trim.
- Trim that is difficult to remove can be covered with tape when you are painting.
Step 2. Fix the rusty parts before you sand the whole car
Since you'll be sanding and repainting the entire car, you don't need to be too gentle. Wear a respirator, overalls, gloves, and safety glasses when you grind rust with a metal grinder. If there are small holes, use a cloth to apply car putty, then smooth out the patch while you're sanding.
If the rust hole is large, you'll need to be more creative. Some car enthusiasts make patches out of scraps of beer or soda cans, or thin sheets of slightly stiff plastic. These materials will stick together after you add car putty. After that, you can sand it slowly
Step 3. Sand the car paint down to the base metal, if possible
If needed, you can just sand it down to the base coat, or just sand off a coat of varnish so the new paint will stick well. However, you'll get a better finish if you sand the entire car down to the base metal. Use an emery machine with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper installed to scrub the car paint in a constant, circular motion.
- If you use 600 grit sandpaper, you'll need more time, but it will minimize the chance of unwanted scratches and nicks.
- What you need is a dull finish to the metal, not a smooth polish.
- Always wear safety equipment, especially protective eyewear and a respirator when sanding.
Step 4. Clean the car surface thoroughly after sanding is complete
Use a tack cloth to remove any visible dust on the surface, then wipe the entire surface of the car with a cloth moistened with paint thinner, turpentine, or denatured alcohol. This cleaning will remove any remaining dust and remove any grease that has stuck to the surface.
- Avoid mixing cleaning agents. If you start cleaning with paint thinner, wipe the entire surface of the car with a cloth moistened only with paint thinner.
- Allow the car surface to dry for 5 to 10 minutes before you apply the tape to the areas you don't want to paint.
Step 5. Use masking tape and paper or plastic to cover the areas you don't want to paint
For example, you'll need to cover window panes, window trim, mirrors, and things like doorknobs and vent holes in the front of the car. Be sure to spread the tape over each edge so that the entire section is completely covered. Otherwise, the paint may enter through the gaps.
If you haven't already, cover the painting area with plastic if you don't want it to get paint
Method 3 of 5: Spraying Base Paint
Step 1. Practice spraying paint on unused metal sheets or car doors
Prepare a pressurized paint sprayer and apply a base coat of your choice of rust-resistant, all according to the product instructions. Position the sprayer about 15 cm from the surface of the training material, press the button, and spray the surface using a steady side-to-side motion. Maintain this sweeping motion as you spray.
- The best practice material is a used car door that you can find at a junk dealer. However, you can also do this on scrap steel sheet. Unused plywood or even cardboard can also be used if necessary, but the primer and coat will not look like the actual paint.
- How to fill and use the sprayer will vary depending on the make and model. Follow product instructions carefully.
- Make sure you have all the safety equipment on!
Step 2. Spray a coat of primer, starting from the top to the bottom of the car
Once you've mastered the technique of spraying used objects, apply your skills to real cars. Try to spray a thin and even layer, starting from the roof of the car and working downwards. Always do this in a side-to-side motion.
On a standard size car, it will take you about 10 to 20 minutes to coat the entire surface of the car with a primer
Step 3. Allow the primer to dry, then apply another 1-2 coats of primer according to product directions
Follow the directions on the product packaging for how long it will take to add a new coat. The time required is usually about 20 to 60 minutes. Next, repeat this process 1-2 more times, according to product directions.
- After applying 2 to 3 coats of primer, the metal surface of the car will be completely covered evenly.
- When you have finished spraying the primer, clean the sprayer according to the product directions.
Step 4. Rub a powdery coat of primer with dry/wet sandpaper
Wait at least 1 hour after the last coat of primer before smoothing the surface of the car using dry/wet sandpaper with 1,500 grit. Do this piece by piece, rubbing it from side to side, then top to bottom.
- Some car painters prefer to use a fine sandpaper, such as 2,000 grit, for this job. It does take more time, but you don't need to sand it too hard.
- Remember, your goal is to remove only the powdery coat of primer, not to expose the metal under the primer.
Step 5. Wipe all surfaces of freshly sanded primer before you spray paint
Use a clean cloth that has been moistened with a small amount of oil and wax remover, acetone, or paint thinner. Gently wipe the surface using a circular motion, which is just enough to remove any accumulated dust or grease.
Allow the car to dry for at least 5 to 10 minutes before you continue the process
Method 4 of 5: Spray Paint
Step 1. Do the practice of spraying paint before you apply it to the car
Prepare the car paint and put it in the sprayer according to the manufacturer's instructions. The paint coming off the spray may not be the same as the primer, so you'll need to practice spraying it on other surfaces first. Next, spray paint on the car, using the same side-to-side motion, starting from top to bottom.
- If the paint you choose needs to be added with a thinner, follow the instructions carefully. Applying too much thinner will reduce the shine on the surface and may cause the paint to clump and run down.
- Always wear a respirator and other safety equipment when you spray.
- On a standard sized car, it may take you about 20 minutes to apply one coat of paint.
Step 2. Add 3 to 4 coats of paint in total, with proper drying time between each spray
Allow the first coat of paint to dry for about 20 to 60 minutes, according to product directions. Repeat this process 2-3 more times, or as directed by the manufacturer.
Clean the sprayer again after you have finished spraying the paint
Step 3. Sand and lightly brush off the paint, as you would with a primer
Wait at least 1 hour after the last paint spray before scrubbing off the powdery coat using dry/wet sandpaper with 1,500 grit (or 2,000 if you prefer). Use the same technique as you did with the base paint. Clean the surface of the car with a cloth that has been moistened with a small amount of grease remover and wax, acetone, or paint thinner.
Wait for about 5 to 10 minutes before you move on to the next step
Method 5 of 5: Performing the Final Settlement
Step 1. Spray 2 coats of clear varnish, by sanding and wiping after each spraying
Fill the atomizer with a clear varnish of your choice (according to the product directions), and spray it over the surface of the car from top to bottom as in the previous step. Allow the clear varnish to dry according to the directions before sanding and wiping it off as in the previous step. After that, re-spray 1-2 coats of clear varnish, or as directed by the manufacturer.
- For best results, first do the practice of spraying clear varnish on unused surfaces.
- Remove the masking tape or material you glued to the car about 10 minutes after spraying the last coat of clear varnish.
Step 2. Allow about 1 week for the car to be completely ready for use
Clear coats of paint and varnish should dry within 24 hours of when you touch them. However, for best results, allow the paint to dry completely for 7 days, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Leave the car where you painted it, and always try to clean the dust that has accumulated.
Do not move objects in the painting room or remove protective sheeting. Stay away from the area to prevent dust from forming from your footsteps
Step 3. Sand the imperfect layer of varnish
Start with dry/wet sandpaper with a grit of 1,200 or 1,600, and use the same method as in the previous step to sand off any imperfect layers of varnish. Wipe the sanded area with a damp cloth (again, in the same way as the previous step), then follow up with 1,600 or 2,000 grit sandpaper to even out the varnish on the area.
- This job requires patience so you must sand it carefully and gently. If not, you may have to repaint a few places if you sanded too deep.
- Wipe again the entire surface of the car after you have done the last sanding.
Step 4. Buff the car by hand or an abrasive machine to bring out the shine
For best results, use your hands. However, sanding and polishing machines can speed up your work. Scrubbing must be done carefully and requires practice. So, it might be a good idea to leave this job to a professional if you are not experienced enough.
- Incorrect scrubbing can strip away the layers of varnish and paint you've worked so hard to spray.
- For best results, you should re-spray and do some scrubbing all over the car. Make sure to wear safety gear.
Tips
- Don't rush when making preparations. This will save time in the long run.
- Always keep the distance between the sprayer and the car body, according to the instructions given. Otherwise, the paint will clump.
- Do it patiently and carefully! Spray paint slowly. Do not do it in a hurry because it can make you repeat the painting.
- For best results, connect the ground wire to the car and to a regular electrical ground. This is useful for preventing the build-up of static electricity, which can attract dust particles.
- If this is your first time painting, ask someone with experience painting cars for help.
