Spray paint can be an economical solution in painting cars. Clean and sand the surface of the car to get a good base for the primer. Spray several coats of primer and cover paint for a quality finish. While spray paint is practical and effective for painting cars, be sure to use it safely. You should work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective eyewear.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Car Surface
Step 1. Scrub the car using 600 grit sandpaper
Wipe the metal surface of the area to be painted using 600 grit sandpaper. Rub back and forth over the entire area. You will slowly see the old paint peeling off the car. When most of the paint has come off, switch to 1500 grit sandpaper.
- Make sure the rust on the car is completely sanded away.
- This process is long but will make the finished product look much better.
Step 2. Fix all the holes in the metal with putty
Removing rust sometimes leaves holes in the metal. Fill the hole with putty designed for cars or metal. Pour the putty directly from the tube into the hole until it is completely covered. Smooth the surface and remove any excess putty using a flat putty knife.
- Allow the putty to dry for 1 hour before scrubbing with 1200 grit sandpaper.
- Car putty can be purchased online or at hardware stores.
Step 3. Clean the surface of the car with a dry cloth
Remove any dust or dirt from the area using a dry used cloth. If there are stubborn waxes or stains, try wiping them with cellulose thinner. This product can help dissolve wax and scale in dirt. Wipe the cellulose thinner on the area using an old cloth. You only need a little thinner because this material is quite strong.
- Cellulose thinner can be purchased from hardware stores.
- Always use cellulose thinner in a well-ventilated area as the fumes can be toxic.
Step 4. Cover all unpainted areas using masking tape and paper
Cut off some of the masking tape and use it to cover the parts of the car that you don't want to paint. If you want to cover a large surface, such as a window, attach a piece of paper to the surface to protect it from spray paint.
- Don't forget non-metallic areas, such as bumpers, wheel rims, mirrors, and window frames.
- Masking tape can be purchased at hardware stores.
- Spread the paper under the car to protect the floor or ground from the paint.
Part 2 of 3: Using Primer
Step 1. Choose a protected location with good airflow
Aerosols are most effective in warm, dry and protected areas. Work in a well-ventilated garage if the weather outside is too cold and humid. Avoid moisture if possible as this will make it difficult for the paint to dry.
- Make sure the car is away from anything you don't want to paint.
- Wear safety glasses and a dust mask to protect yourself from steam and dust.
Step 2. Spray 3 coats of primer, and wait 15 minutes between each coat
each coat. Use the primer at a distance of 25 cm from the surface of the car. Spray the primer over the entire surface to be painted. Gently press the spray button and move it over the entire surface back and forth and evenly. Move the can at a consistent speed so that the results are even. Wait 15 minutes before applying the next coat of primer. You will need a minimum of 3 coats of primer for even coverage.
- It's a good idea to spray several thin coats of primer as several thick coats will cause the paint to drip.
- Allow the area to dry for 24 hours after the last coat of primer.
Step 3. Scrub the area with wet and dry 1200 grit sandpaper until smooth
Wet the sandpaper and rub it back and forth over the area until the primer is smooth and even. If you are sanding a large area, you may need some sandpaper to make it smooth.
Step 4. Clean the area with warm soapy water
Remove dust from the car using warm soapy water on a cloth. Rinse the car to get rid of the soap suds, then dry with a towel (or just let it dry).
Part 3 of 3: Spraying Paint
Step 1. Shake the paint can for at least 3 minutes
The pigments in the paint will separate over time so shake it vigorously to re-mix it. If you've shaken and used the can within 12 hours, you only need to shake the can again for 1 minute.
Step 2. Test paint on old cardboard
Hold the can 25 cm from the cardboard and spray the paint. Check the cardboard to make sure the paint is evenly distributed. If the paint smears, shake the can again for a few minutes.
This test lets you experiment with the power of the paint can spray button pressure
Step 3. Spray paint onto the car horizontally
Hold the can so that it is parallel to the surface of the car and about 25 cm from the car. Press the spray button and paint the surface of the car back and forth and evenly. Keep the can as upright as possible when moving the area. Continue spraying until the surface has a thin, even layer.
- Try to move the can at a consistent speed.
- Move your arm along the area at a consistent speed for an even finish.
Step 4. Spray at least 2 coats of paint, with a 10 minute break between coats
Spraying several coats of paint will give an even finish. Wait for 10 minutes before spraying the next coat. The paint should still be slightly sticky, which will help the next paint blend with the previous paint.
- If the surface still looks blotchy after 2 coats, spray an additional coat after 10 minutes.
- Wait 30 minutes for the paint to dry before applying clear paint.
Step 5. Spray clear paint on the area horizontally
Press the spray button and move the can across the area in a smooth motion over the painted surface. This will help protect the paint from the sun. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours before the car can be used.
Tips
- Spray the surface of the car in a small area at a time. This helps the paint coat more evenly and the result is high quality.
- If you are not satisfied with the result of the painting, allow it to dry completely first, and sand the surface before repainting.
- Keep the paint can nozzles clean by occasionally wiping them with thinner.
- Your work may not be good because your fingers are tired from pressing the nozzles. There are inexpensive “triggers” or “handles” to attach to the spray paint can so you can use multiple fingers in natural positions.
Warning
- Always use a spray can in a well-ventilated area because spray paint is usually made from toxic materials.
- If you start to feel dizzy or unwell, leave the workplace for some fresh air.
