How to Repaint a Classic Car to Add Value
Repainting a classic car can give it new life and add value. Handing off the task to someone else can cost more than you're willing to spend, but doing it yourself can be equally tricky. If you have the right equipment and the desire to put in some long hours, you can do it yourself and be proud of the work you've done.
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Things You'll Need
- Cleaner
- Primer
- Paint sprayer
- Paint
- Coarse sandpaper
- Sanding block
- Goggles
- Face mask
- Body filler (or replacement pieces)
- Masking tape/marking tape
- Plastic tarp
- Wax and grease remover
- Orbital sander
Instructions
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Preparation
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1
Clean your car thoroughly. Wash it so that there is no dirt or grime on the exterior. This will make sanding off the existing paint easier later. Use a degreaser on it as well so there's nothing between you and the paint. Doing this entire process inside will help. It also helps to keep the paint out of the sunshine while drying later on to keep it from fading.
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2
Remove any excess parts that you don't want to get paint on. This may include windows, bumpers, fenders, lights, antenna, door handles and grills. This may make the process longer, but it will cut back on masking and errors.
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3
Sand the old paint with your orbital sander. This will get rid of the old paint and create a surface that will allow your new paint to adhere more easily. Always wear goggles during this part, and be careful during sanding to not gouge or damage the body of the car.
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4
Check the car for damage--scratches or dents. If you have any, add body filler where needed. If the damage is too extensive, the part may need to be repaired or replaced--do this now so that you can sand those new parts and match the paint color to them. It will be easier to paint over everything once than match the paint to a new piece later on.
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5
Mask off any parts of your car that you don't want to get paint on or in. This can include the antenna hole, the mirrors, the lights, the wheels and the windows (even if you took the windows out, put plastic over the openings--you don't want paint on the interior of your car). Masking involves putting pieces of plastic over areas that you want to protect from paint, using masking or marking tape. Be sure there are no air bubbles, creases or folds in the tape that may allow paint to seep under it.
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6
Wipe down your car once more. You want nothing to be on your car but the tape and plastic.
Painting
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7
Prime your car. Use an electric paint sprayer to spray your car completely with a good primer. This will help the paint adhere and make your paint look smoother and more vibrant.
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8
Sand the primer after it dries to make sure that everything is even and smooth. Use the sanding block instead of the orbital sander because you want to keep the finish, not strip it down again. Run your hand along the car to feel for spots with uneven primer--you will be able to feel it better than you will be able to see it.
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9
Wipe it down completely again and then add a second coat of primer. Sand it down again the same way as above, but this time use finer sandpaper for a smoother finish.
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10
Remove the masks and wash the car to get rid of any sanding particles that may have gotten into the masked areas. It will also wash away the dust from the rest of the car, which can leave imperfections in your paint.
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11
Remask and wipe off the car again.
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12
Spray the base coat of paint onto the car. Keep the spray gun perpendicular to the surface, holding it about 10 to 12 inches away to ensure an even, smooth coat. Practice this beforehand on a piece of cardboard to test the sprayer.
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13
Wait for the coat to dry and then spray the topcoat onto the car, over the previous coat. Allow it to dry (again, not in the sunlight, though).
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Tips & Warnings
Repainting your classic car will always increase the value as long as the paint is applied professionally and looks crisp. Keep it out of the sun so as not to fade the paint, and be sure to let it dry completely before replacing the parts you took off.
