How to Paint a Car Black

Painting a car black not only looks great, but also serves a functional purpose--it hides dirt. You will need the supplies that are normally needed for painting a car. Painting a car black is exactly the same as painting a car any other color. The only problem that occurs when painting your car black is that the color black attracts heat; on a hot day, your car's black body will be significantly warmer than the nonblack areas.

Things You'll Need

• Protective goggles
• Respirator mask
• Nitrile gloves
• Soap
• Sandpaper
• Masking tape
• Primer
• Spray gun (High- volume; low-pressure)
• Black automotive paint
• Clear coat
• Copper wire

Instructions

1. Wash your car thoroughly with soap and water, then wash it with a grease-and-wax remover. Ground your car by attaching a wire from the chassis of the car to anything nearby the car that is grounded to prevent dust from being attracted back to the car.

2. Sand down all areas you want to paint black with sandpaper until you reach metal. Cover all the areas you do not want painted with a tarp or with paper, and tape it down with masking tape. Remove car decorations if you can, to avoid getting paint on them.

3. Apply primer to the areas you will paint. Sand out the primer to smooth it out--be very careful not to sand down to the metal layer.

4. Fill a spray gun with the black, urethane-based automotive paint. Spray the paint onto the car 12 inches away from the car's surface in a back-and-forth motion--spraying in thin coats. Allow it to dry for up to 15 minutes. Apply a second coat if necessary.

5. Apply a clear coat. Allow it to dry for about 15 minutes. Apply two more coats of clear coat. Let the car dry for 90 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use urethane-based spray paint instead of using a spray gun.

• Sometimes the paint job may necessitate multiple coats of paint.

• Buy your Spray Gun from a Paint Supply Store as opposed to a regular tool and hardware Store.

• The type of paint you buy will dictate which spray gun setup you use. Reference your automotive paint instructions on which setup to use.

• Always prime and paint cars in a well-ventilated, wind-free environment. Wear protective goggles and a respirator mask, and cover any areas of the car that may come in contact with the paint.

References

• Express Paint: FAQs
• Learn Auto Painting

Resources

• Express Paint