How to Paint a Car

For those who are tired of the old colors of their cars, painting vehicles anew can help solve the problem. By doing this, even the effects of wear and tear can be reversed significantly. Likewise, scratches, discolorations and many other imperfections can be fixed in an instant. However, availing professional services can be very costly. If you wish to save more money, it is good to learn how to paint a car.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you can paint a car, you need to have all the right materials such as sandpaper, body putty and clear coat paint. At the same time, be sure to bring in a wax or grease remover, urethane-based paint as well as primer. You also need a masking tape and lots of paper, which will cover the different parts that are not to be painted. Once you have these things, you can now proceed with the following steps.

Steps

The surface of the car must be cleaned first before you can actually start the process of painting. To do this, use car wash soap and then mix it with water. Clean until there are no more traces of dirt, grime and dust on the surface. After washing, dry it up to ensure proper paint finish later on. Get the wax and grease remover. This will help you remove dirt and other impurities that soap and water cannot clean. If this is not available, you can use either mineral spirits or liquid charcoal starter instead.

Before you can re-paint the car, the surface needs to be smooth. Take the sandpaper and then use it to rub the rough parts on the surface of the vehicle. In order for the vehicle not to attract dirt and dust, you need to discharge it. Get the wire and then use it to connect the chassis frame to any near stable grounded object. The surface must be dry before starting the actual painting process.

Of course, there are certain parts in your vehicle that need no painting. These areas must be covered properly in order not to damage the overall appearance of your car. Get the masking tape and paper. Cover the windows completely as well as the other parts that need no painting. Even out undesirable dents and patches in your car by applying some body putty.

When all are set, paint the surface with the primer. Be sure to apply it evenly to achieve the best results. After successfully applying the primer, smooth out the surface with the sandpaper once again. Apply the urethane-based paint of your choice. Use the spray gun for the base coat. Wait for about 10 to 15 minutes for the base coat to dry. After that, spray the final coat and then wait for about 30 to 90 minutes for it to dry.

Once the color dries, apply a layer of clear coat paint right away. Wait for about 15 minutes before applying the second coat. Do the same for the third coat. Enjoy the new look of your car.