How to Paint a Car Part 2

Now that we have taped off any trim that cannot be removed, removed any removable trim, and sanded the entire car down, it is time to get painting. First, we have to obtain the materials. For the painting, we need to get a good sprayer. I would recommend a Campbell-Hausfeld or other similar brand. However, before you buy one, I would recommend making sure that it will accept car paint. Also, make sure that the nozzle has a good, wide, fast spray pattern. Also, if you don't have an air compressor, you need to purchase or borrow one of these as well. Make certain that this compressor is able to run a sprayer for long periods of time. This can be found out by calling a manufacturer or looking at a list in the manual of supported pneumatic equipment. Next, it is time to get primer and Bondo. Bondo will be used to fill in dents and rusted sections. Finally, you will need to buy your paint. Most automotive stores can order paint, and some can mix it themselves. Keep in mind that you will need around a gallon for the entire car. If you want to put racing stripes on the car, you will only need around a quart. Paint prices vary by color. Red and yellow are very expensive, while white is very cheap. Also, you need to buy around a gallon of clearcoat. Finally, you have to buy thinner to mix with the paint, and hardener to mix with the clearcoat.

Now that you have decided on your color and gotten your paint, it's time to primer and Bondo. Look for any sections that show bare metal. These small sections will need a couple of coats of primer. You can look on the primer label to decide how much to use. Now, look for any sections that have been dented or rusted over. For the dented section, you will need to use steel wool to get the rust off. Then, you will need to spread Bondo over them. The Bondo is also used to fill dents. Generally, you will put some Bondo in the dent, smooth it out, and let it dry. Then this part will be sanded, more Bondo will be put on, and then allowed to dry again. Then it will be gently sanded again and primer will be applied. Now that your car is dent-free and rust-free, it is just about time to start painting your car. In this section, we will talk about technique for painting and other little things, and in the next we will talk about racing stripes and clearcoat.

First, your paint has to be mixed with thinner. At the place where you buy the paint, make sure you ask them the specific ratio for the paint you bought. After it is mixed, you can put it in the gun. Make sure that you are ready to go right before placing the mixture in the gun. When you spray, make sure that you depress the trigger all the way, and use a steady, side-to-side hand motion. Never flick the wrist. Flicking the wrist will allow paint to dry in the air and stick on the car elsewhere. This will make a horrible look that is difficult to remove. Now that you know how to paint the car, the next section will talk about finishing it up.