subject: Diy Auto Body Paint [print this page] If you are planning to paint your car yourself then be warned, painting really isnt the difficult part, the prep work is. First of all, you have to make sure the surface is properly prepared, because if it is not, then all your hard work wont pay off. Secondly, you have to pay particular attention to the type of paint you buy. Be sure to use the same type of paint that you currently have on the vehicle, because using too different types of paints can result in an untidy paint job.
When doing your own paint job, be certain to observe some key safety precautions. Ideally, this should be an open area that is well ventilated, so that the paint particles can quickly disperse and not be inhaled. Make sure there is nothing in the vicinity that may ignite as a result of exposure to paint fumes. Also, be sure to get the necessary safety equipment such as goggles, a dust mask, and a respirator.
Prepping the Surface:If you are painting the entire car then make sure to remove bumper, moldings, grills, and mirrors. If these cannot be removed, then use masking tape to cover them. Correct paint removal and surface preparation, are the fundamental aspects to a good paint job. Therefore the layers of old paint and primer must be thoroughly removed before you begin. This is usually done by sanding the surface until the surface paint is removed. The new paint will not adhere, if the surface is not properly prepared.
Choosing Auto Body Paint:Here again, attention must be paid to the type of paint selected. There are a range of auto paint and clearcoat options available for motor vehicles. Auto body paint is available in solid colors, as well as metallic options, with water-based paint being the most popular option. When choosing body paint, make sure the selection is compatible with the existing paint you have on the motor vehicle, this is especially important if you are only painting out specific areas. Paint that is incompatible, may quickly lead to stripping and peeling.
Painting: Once the car is cleaned and sanded, the primer can be applied. The primer should be left to cure as per instructions. Primed areas should then be sanded until smooth, and all the dust and oil removed before the final finish.
If you are using an airbrush to spray on the final coat, then make sure it is properly set up. Do a simple test on another surface to make sure that it is working okay, because you dont want any mistakes once you start spraying. It is always best to use short, even strokes when painting your car, as that will give you a more professional looking job. Also, in order to control the flow of paint, you should hold down the airbrush trigger for a very short time. Clear coat can be added after the finish coat for a shinier look.
If you follow these steps, then you will be able to paint your car quite easily. However, it is important to be patient and paint slowly.
