How to Spray Lacquer Auto Paint

Lacquer paint is the least recommended paint to use on cars by most experts. It's cheaper than than the others, is easier to apply and has a very glossy finish. However, it fades and chips more easily than enamel or urethane paints. Because of this, lacquer is only recommended for antiques or other cars that see very little drive time. You may also need to check with laws and ordinances in your area, as lacquer paint is illegal in some places.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper
• Tarp, towels and masking tape
• Lacquer primer
• Lacquer paint
• Paint gun
• Lacquer clear coat
• Car polish
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Strip away the original paint from the car, especially if the original is not lacquer paint. Make sure the windows are closed and covered up and sand away all the paint. Use 400 grit sandpaper or a power sander.

2. Cover up all parts of the car not being painted. Cover the windshields, windows and mirrors with tarp, towels or another type of sturdy cloth, and tape along the borders of your painted area with painters or masking tape.

3. Coat the surface of the car's body with primer. Use a lacquer primer that will work with your paint and apply it in even strokes across the surface. Sand down the primer so it is even using 320 grit sandpaper.

4. Spray the paint over the surface in the same even strokes as the primer. If the paint doesn't come in a aerosol can, connect it to a paint gun to apply it with. You should apply at least two or three coats of the paint; lacquer usually dries in 20 minutes maximum.

5. Apply a lacquer clear coat to the painted surface. Sand down the paint with 400 to 600 grit sandpaper and apply at least three coats of clear coat, waiting about 15 to 20 minutes for each coat to dry.

6. Buff the painted surface. Given lacquer's soft condition, you can do so by hand. Apply a small dab of polish to one section and rub the polish into that section with a soft cloth towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear protective gear when painting cars like safety goggles and a respirator mask. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.

References

• PaintForCars.com
• How to Paint Your Car; Dennis Parks; MBI Publishing; 2003