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Step 1
Decide why you need to add spray paint to your auto. It could be because you had a minor fender bender, because someone scraped your car in a parking lot, or just because of normal wear and tear.
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Step 2
Determine what kind of spray paint you want to apply to your auto. You will need one that bonds to metal or plastic, depending on what your car is made of.
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Step 3
Visit a local store, such as Wal-Mart or a hardware store, and purchase the right color spray paint for your auto. Make sure the color is as close a match as possible, or the spray paint job will look unnatural.
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Step 4
Use painter's tape or masking tape to thoroughly tape off the entire area around the part needing painted. Pay special attention to areas of a different color, such as the bumper, to ensure you do not accidentally paint it.
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Step 5
Scuff the areas you will be painting with a Scotch Brite pad. This will roughen the surface a little, giving something for the paint to cling to. If you are using a primer, apply that first, then wait an hour before sanding it with 600-grit sand paper.
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Step 6
Spray the areas you wish to repaint with spray paint. Do 2 to 3 coats to ensure the color and the coats of paint are even. Wait at least 5 minutes before each coat of spray paint. Wait 30 minutes for the final coat of spray paint to dry.
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Step 7
Add a clear coat should you desire after the spray paint on your auto has dried. You can apply up to 3 to 5 coats, waiting at least 5 minutes between each layer of clear coat.
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Step 8
Remove the tape approximately 2 hours after the last application of spray paint. Wait 24 hours before driving the vehicle, to be certain the paint dried completely. Enjoy your newly-painted auto.
