How to Repaint a Car

Repainting a car can give it a new life. Having someone do it for you can get expensive, especially if the color is unusual or there is a custom design involved. Why not do it yourself and have the satisfaction of knowing your car was sanded and painted to your liking.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cleaner
• Primer
• Paint sprayer
• Coarse sand paper
• Sanding block
• Goggles
• Face mask
• Body filler or replacement pieces (if needed)
• Masking tape
• Plastic or newspaper
• Wax and grease remover
• Orbit sander

Before Painting

1. Clean your car thoroughly to remove all dirt and grime. Then use a good wax and degreaser on it to remove all residue so that just the paint is on the top level.

2. Remove everything that will not need painting so you have to do as little masking as possible. This includes bumpers, lights, door handles, grill and the windows if possible.

3. Sand the old paint with a dual-action orbital sander. This will help make the new paint adhere better to the car body.

4. Inspect the car for any damaged areas that need replaced or filled in with body filler. Repair as needed in these areas.

5. Mask off areas where you don't want paint. Use plastic or newspaper for this and tape that won't harm your car. This includes windows, whether you took them out or not. Whether or not you removed the windows you don't want paint on the interior. This also includes where your antenna is and if you have a convertible or sunroof.

6. Wipe your car down once more to make sure no residue from sanding or repairing remains as this will leave imperfections in the paint job.

Painting

7. Spray your car with a good primer to help the new paint adhere to the car.

8. Sand the primer after it dries to even out the finish. Use a sanding block not just sand paper. Coarse sand paper should be used to make the high spots even while not damaging the low spots.

9. Spray a second coat of primer on and sand it with a 600-grain sand paper for a smoother finish.

10. Remove the masking and wash the car to get rid of any dust in areas you can not see on the car's finish. These can leave bumps in your paint job otherwise.

11. Remask the car and wipe off again.

12. Spray the basecoat of paint keeping the spray gun perpendicular to the section you are shooting and holding it about 10-12" away from the area. This will ensure an even coating.

13. Spray the top coat on the car and let the car dry.

Tips & Warnings

• The orbital sander does not grind like a normal sander and is safe on your car.
• Don't forget to mask off where your lights are regardless of if they are on the car or not.
• Depending on how damaged your car is, this can take a half day to several days.
• Keep the car out of direct sunlight to dry.
• Do not skip the primer step or the paint job will not look right.

Resources

• Info on body fixes before painting

Who Can Help Sponsored

[zeenax]

on 2/6/2008 learnt something that is important