How to Paint Metallic Cars
Hiring a professional to paint your car can be expensive. Professionals will charge anywhere from $300 to more than $1,000 depending on the type of paint job. As an alternative, do it yourself using the same techniques as many professionals. The process doesn’t require much skill, just time and a little bit of patience. Painting a metallic car will require just a little more effort because you are covering a bolder surface. However, you will be well on your way to owning a newer-looking car.
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Things You'll Need
- Car spray paint
- Spray primer
- Loose-grit sandpaper
- Car cleaner
- Painter's tape
- Clear coat
Instructions
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1
Select the type of paint your desire. For example, you can choose repaint the car another metallic color or choose a matte color. Also, choose the best quality of paint for the job. If your car will be subjected to extreme weather conditions, choose a more durable product.
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2
Wash your car thoroughly to remove dirt and oil. Choose a cleaning product that’s made for degreasing. This will ensure that all hard-to-clean areas are cleaned properly.
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3
Use waterproof, loose-grit sandpaper to sand down the car. Loose-grit sandpaper is designed for larger sanding jobs. The purpose of sanding is to smooth the car's surface and create a more adhesive platform. You do not have to sand off the old color.
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4
Rinse sand particles from the car's surface. Leaving sand particles on the cars surface will create bumps under your new paint job.
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5
Allow the car to dry. Attempting to apply paint or primer to a wet car can cause drips, runs and adhesive problems.
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6
Use painter’s tape to seal off the areas of the car you do not wish to paint. As an alternative, remove these areas. For example, remove the bumpers.
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7
Apply primer. This is a crucial step in painting a metallic car. Primer is used to prepare your car for the new paint. Because you are painting over a metallic surface, you will need the primer to cover the existing color and shine. This ensures that the new color looks the way it should and is not a result of the old color mixing with the new color. Spray on the primer, holding the can about 4 to 6 inches from the surface. Allow the primer to dry for approximately an hour.
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Spray on the new paint, holding the can about 4 to 6 inches from the car's surface. If you spray the paint too thick, it will cause runs and drips. Avoid paint lines by spraying large seamless areas individually. For example, spray the entire passenger side door from crease to crease. Letting a partially painted area dry will cause rough edges when you continue. Allow the paint to dry before proceeding.
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Apply the finishing clear coat. Allow the car to completely dry for approximately 24 hours.
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10
Remove the painter’s tape and/or replace the nonpainted areas of the car.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to select a designated work area that will not expose other areas to paint. As an alternative, use a tarp to protect the area around your car while painting.
