9/30/20 - Zoro Staff
If you have patience and a willingness to learn the proper techniques, painting your own car or truck yourself can save you thousands of dollars compared with taking it to a professional shop. Consider the math: Even a basic paint job at a body shop costs several hundred to multiple thousands of dollars. Doing it yourself can cost as little as a hundred or so dollars, depending on the type of paint, the extent of the job, and whether you already own or need to buy or rent an electric sander and spray gun.
For first-timers, it’s best to try out your skills on an older vehicle versus a newer one. Achieving a high-gloss paint job that resembles that of a new vehicle can require more than a dozen coats of high-quality paint—and the time and costs to do so may not be worth the end result. At that point, it could be smarter to trade in your old car and get a new one.
Where to Work
When painting a car, your first consideration should be your work area. Floating particles of dust and dirt will stick to wet paint and destroy the finish, so find a clean and well-ventilated spot. In most cases, this will be your home garage or a shed. Take the time to sweep and clear out the space so you have room to work. If you have to paint outside, never paint under a tree or anywhere water or anything else can drip or leak onto your vehicle.
The Tools
Your primary tools for the job are as follows:
- Sandpaper or sanding block -- both 1,200 grit and 2,000 grit
- Electric sander
- Masking tape
- Paint thinner
- Air compressor or spray gun for painting
- Foam brushes
- Paint trays
- Gloss paint
- Old newspaper or other disposable paper
- Drop cloth
- Ventilation mask or respirator
- Safety goggles
- Dust collector
Preparation
Before you get down to painting, repair any damaged spots if possible. Dent repair kits, which use suction cups to pull metal back into shape, can be purchased at most auto supply shops. You also might want to try pounding out dents in the hood and trunk from inside the body. All you need is a hammer and a dolly, which is a solid piece of metal you can hold in your hand to support the force of the hammer as you smooth out imperfections. Other dings and gouges can be filled with body filler putty. You may have to wait a few hours for the putty to harden, or cure, before sanding and stripping your vehicle.
To determine how much paint you’ll need, keep in mind that if you’re painting by hand, medium-sized cars typically require a gallon of paint if you are painting it the same color, and two gallons if you’re changing to a brand new color. If using a spray gun, double these amounts. Plan on two gallons if painting the same color and four gallons if going with something new. One gallon of clear-coat paint should be plenty for almost any paint job on any size car or pickup truck.
Stripping
To strip away your car’s existing paint, use your sandpaper or sanding block if you’re just painting a few select areas. It is also effective in hard-to-reach areas, like around the wheel wells. But your primary tool here is an electric sander.
Hold the sander firmly and work in circular motions. This process takes time, so be patient. Remember, you’re removing multiple coats of paint, from the clear coat to the top coat and, finally, the base coat. Ideally, your vehicle should be stripped down to the bare metal—the new paint will stick better if it has a smooth and unpainted surface to adhere to. Also, if you are painting with a new color, it will help ensure the car’s old color won’t shine through.
After you’re done stripping, wipe down the surface with a rag and paint thinner to remove any dust. Or, if you have one, use a dust collector.
Priming
To minimize getting primer and paint on your garage floor or other work area, pull your vehicle over a large dropcloth. If you’re only working on a small section, like a front or rear car panel, spread out some old newspapers. Use your masking tape to cover any areas of the car you’re not painting.
Then, use your spray gun to apply primer. Start at the roof and work your way down, working in light coats. It will probably take at least two or three applications to coat the surfaces evenly. Again, practice patience. Each coat takes about 10 minutes per panel and then you’ll need to wait up to an hour for the primer to dry. After you’re done, the surface will have a finish that resembles fine powder. Smooth this out with your 2,000-grit sandpaper. Wipe down all the surfaces one more time and clean out the spray gun before you start painting.
Painting
Mix your paint with thinners as recommended by your chosen paint brand (instructions should be on the side of the can) and spray in measured and even coats. The wait time between coats is similar to primer: roughly 20 to 60 minutes.
It’s going to take at least three or four coats to achieve solid coverage and provide a good-looking finish. Once you’re pleased with the look, remove any residue from the surface with the 2,000-grit sandpaper and wipe it down with a rag or lint-free cloth. Then, apply the final coat: a clear-coat lacquer that will make the paint job shine.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.