The process of applying paints on cars is extremely time consuming, so a few days set aside solely for this purpose isn't a bad idea. Having it done professionally can be very expensive but repainting your own vehicle is an aim that is very achievable. The reason may vary from blemishes, rust spots etc, but all you really need are accurate tools, a clean environment and a proper mindset to get your car looking good and new.
Below are a few simple steps :
1. Procure the proper supplies
2. Be sure to examine the car to discover rust spots that need fixing.
3. Sand your vehicle
4. Remove dust and particles with thinners
5. Prime your vehicle
6. Sand your vehicle for the second time
7. Apply up to 3-4 coats of the top coat
8. Apply lacquer
9. Buff your vehicle.
There is dire need to expatiate what these steps entails.
1. Procure the proper supplies : Begin by settling down your proper supplies, you'll need 1200-2000 grit wet and dry sandpaper, spray gun, air compressors, paint thinners, primer, an acrylic topcoat, clear coat lacquer, buffer, a powered sander, masking tape and making paper.
To determine the amount of paint you'll need, you have to consider the size of your car. For instance, large cars require one and a half gallons of primer, four gallons of clear coat and four gallons of top coat, on the other hand, smaller cars require one gallon of primer, three gallons of clear coat and three gallons of top coat.
2. A safe next step would be cleaning out your workspace : It is essential that your workspace is dirt-free, to ensure an efficient result. A shed with a dust extractor which perfectly covers your work area is advised. But if you desire to work outdoors, consider the weather condition before taking that risk.
3. Be sure to examine your car for rust spots: This should be done before any thing else on your car, to be safe, the most ensured way to avoid rust is to keep your car in a covered garage but most times, that isn't possible. So before you begin your painting process, you would want to treat any rust spots on your car. In a case where the rust is heavy and prominent, a rust converter product will be needed to seal the spots, while lighter spots could just be sanded out.
4. Sand your vehicle : After the examination for rust spots, the next essential step would be sanding. It is a very crucial part of the process so it requires time and patience. Thorough sanding is advised, preferably two hours per panel, and finish with a wet-to-dry sandpaper so the paint would eventually come out smooth. It is advisable to sand on a circular motion so the surface would be produced as even, although there are corners and hooks that would require sanding by hand. After sanding is completed, use the thinners to clean off residue and dust before proceeding with the actual painting.
5. Prime your vehicle : At this juncture, you would need to first practice your spraying techniques, while wearing a face mask and protective goggles, hold the spray gun about six inches from the surface. Spray from side to side continuously, while doing this remember to press the trigger only when you are moving the gun, otherwise it would come out uneven. After this, you can start priming. To begin, you will mix your primer with thinners according to the directions inscribed on the paint can. You can now begin by spraying from the roof down. A maximum of two to three coats is required to cover the entire surface in an even manner, the curing time would be inscribed on the paint can and it would take about ten minutes per panel to apply the primer while about twenty minutes to a hour to cure. The primer between each coat should dry off completely before you proceed.
6. Sand your vehicle again : After your car has been efficiently primed, you'll resand your vehicle to regain the smooth surface and also reduce the powdery effects before painting. Use the 2000-grit sandpaper and wipe down your vehicle with thinners. Be cautious while thinning, to avoid stripping off the prime completely.
7. Now, onto the most important part, painting your car : The topcoat you'll be using will need to be thinned just like the primer, this should be done according to the instructions on the back of the paint can. The topcoat will then be applied, it would also take about ten minutes to paint each panel, and twenty minutes to a hour to cure, similar to the times times of the primer. You can either apply 3-4 coats of paints or as much as your supplies provide. Although, if you run out of paint at coat two, it is necessary to get more to ensure proper and even coat. Before the last pass with topcoat, wipe down the car and clean off residue.
8. Apply lacquer : Be sure to apply 1-2 coats of lacquer, and while the clear coat is still wet, remove any masking tape from areas that weren't painted. Be cautious to avoid blemishing the clear coat or sticking in any masking tapes. Allow lacquer to cure for the recommended time, once dry, Buff your vehicle with a buffer, cautiously to avoid burning the paint.
Painting your car may at first appear tricky, but with the right tools, environment and determination, it's simpler than we think.
©Maymunah Kadiri
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