How to Paint a Car in the Driveway

It is considered ideal to paint a car inside a shop, but sometimes you need to think of new and innovative ways to get the job done if you lack the proper resources or time. You may paint a car in the driveway of your home if you lack access to any other property. Make sure you take the proper precautions and seek expert advice if you're not sure what you are doing.

Things You'll Need

• Car
• Paint
• Paint sprayer
• Sanding and polishing tools
• Safety equipment

Instructions

1. Park the car in the driveway (over a large plastic mat) and not in the garage. Some may wonder why you wouldn't use the shelter of the garage against the outdoor elements? Residential garages will not work because of the presence of water heaters or furnaces which may ignite the paint fumes. The necessary elements needed to paint a car appropriately include excellent ventilation, minimal dust, great lighting, electricity and room to work around the automobile.

2. Collect the equipment needed to pull off the job. You'll need sanding and polishing tools and supplies, basic automobile painting equipment (such as a sprayer, etc), paint and safety equipment (eye goggles, paint protective suit).

3. Prepare the body of the vehicle for painting by removing the rust and repairing any dents. You also need to remove any chrome or plastic trim which you can easily take off and replace later. Sand the old paint on the vehicle down to the bare metal or original primer. Clean any surfaces needed to remove unwanted oil or stains. Last but not least, take plenty of time to mask off surfaces you do not want to paint (window included) and set up four makeshift walls around the vehicle. This will prevent toxic fumes from spreading and unwanted dust from penetrating the body. A basic shower curtain on wheels will suffice.

4. Paint the body after you prime the surface. Make sure you allow plenty of time to let the primer dry. If you want to let the primer dry overnight, apply it early and let it set outside all day. At the end of the day, remove the walls and park the car inside the garage for the night. Make sure you clean the surface after the primer dries to once again remove any unwanted chemicals.

   Do not yet spray the finish paint on the automobile. You'll need to allow 24 hours to seven days for the paint to dry, and that all depends on the paint manufacturer's directions.

5. Apply the top coat on the vehicle. The most effective way to paint a car is to use one of the large paint sprayers that any auto body shop carries. If you are having trouble finding one to purchase online or from a hardware store, ask the local body shop about renting one for a weekend. They may cut you a decent deal which will in turn save you a lot of money. Use long and broad strokes as you apply the paint, which will provide an even finish. Allow the catalyst paint to dry at the very least for 24 hours, if not a few days. Keep the vehicle free of dust as the paint dries. You may apply a "clear coat" to present a deeper and higher glossy look but it is not necessary.

6. After the paint is fully dried, remove the tarps below and to the sides of the vehicle, including the makeshift walls. You may now park the vehicle inside the garage and enjoy the new look.

References

• Paint Your Car at Home
• Easy Paint the Car

Resources

• Paint Your Car