How to Prep Autos for Paint

Painting an automobile is hard to get just right. There's a long process with many steps leading up to painting the vehicle. The most difficult and important part of the process isn't spraying the paint; it's the vehicle preparation before the primer or paint is sprayed. Without the proper preparation, even the best paint job looks bad.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sandpaper (120-, 300- and 600-grit)
• Sanding block (one long and one short block)
• Wax and grease remover
• Lint-free towel
• Primer
• Masking tape
• Masking paper
• Water

1. Remove parts of the vehicle that won't be painted, such as mirrors and trim pieces. Most trim pieces pop out and can be replaced the same way. Some mirrors are painted to match the vehicle; others are chrome or black and don't need to be painted.

2. Repair any damage, dents or dings on the vehicle by following the steps in the eHow article "How to Remove Large Car Dents." Remember to first grind away the paint in and around the damaged area before applying any body filler or Bondo.

3. Use 120-grit sand paper and a long sanding block to sand the entire car. A short sanding block can be used in hard-to-reach areas with the long sanding block. Keep the blocks smooth while sanding so the surface of the car gets sanded evenly. Sand until the entire car is dull and sanded.

4. Mask the car to cover any parts that won't be painted. Use tape over the headlights, grill and small parts such as door handles and key holes. Cover the windows and tires with paper, and tape it to the car so the tape isn't touching any of the surface to be painted.

5. Wipe the car's surface with wax and grease remover and a lint free towel. This removes dust, fingerprints and other oils on the paint surface.

6. Spray three coats of primer on the car, allowing each coat to dry between applications. Using a sanding block and 300-grit sandpaper, sand the entire car again. Don't sand through the primer but sand the surface of the primer to check for low spots, which will show up as areas not sanded after you go over them with the sanding block. These areas should get another coat or two of primer and be sanded again.

7. Sand down the entire car, using 600-grit sandpaper and water. Keep the sandpaper wet with water while sanding so that the buildup doesn't scratch the car. Wet sand the car until it's completely smooth. Allow the car to dry.

8. Wipe down the car with wax and grease remover once more. The car is now ready to be painted.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a face mask when sanding and spraying primer or paint. Don't skip sanding steps when preparing a car for paint. These are the most important steps to a paint job.

Resources

• How to remove large car dents