How to Spray Metal Flake Paint on a Car

Metal flake paint contains large metal flakes that create a sparkling effect. Painting a car or part of a car with metal flake paint is time consuming, since it takes several coats and a lot of drying time. Imperfections are more noticeable when using metal flake paint, so it must be done with a steady hand. It's best to practice on small parts before painting a whole car. Read on to learn how to spray metal flake paint on a car.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Masking supplies
• Automotive metal flake paint
• Air gun
• Metal flake tip
• Clear coat
• Block sander

1. Choose a base color and metal flake paint. Silver flake looks good on any type of silver base. Colored flake is best with a metallic base that's close to the color of the metal flake.
2. Get the spray tips that you need to apply metal flake. Metal flake requires a special tip, not the same one that you use for painting.
3. Mix clear coat with the metal flake. Be sure the flake is not too thick, since thick flakes clog the gun.
4. Spray with the metal flake, using lots of air. Control the air gun and don't over spray. The first coat should be very thin.
5. Apply the next coat when the first is tacky. Adjust your painting gun to a lower pressure so that the metal flake doesn't bounce off the car.
6. Check the finish against the rest of the car to see if it matches. Spray coats of metal flake until the finish is the way you want it. Let the car or painted piece sit for a few days.
7. Wet sand the finish. Add two coats of clear coat. Allow to dry. Color sand the finish, then buff.