How to Paint a Zebra Truck
Before you indulge that hankering to paint zebra stripes on your truck, observe sound painting rules by preparing a smooth, squeaky clean surface. Sherwin-Williams attributes up to 80 percent of paint failures to lack of proper surface preparation. Paint will not adhere well over dirt, wax or grease, so begin by washing your truck, using a de-greasing agent and wax remover as appropriate. Follow with a good rinse to eliminate soap residue, and dry well. Finally, repair minor damage using a polymer auto body repair compound available in automotive stores -- following manufacture's use instructions.
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Things You'll Need
- Reference photos of zebras (optional)
- Masking tape (several widths)
- Craft paper
- Craft knife or scissors
- Automotive primer (optional)
- Automotive paint, black or white
- Art gum eraser
- Clear automotive paint/sealer
- Touch up paint
- Artist's brushes, fine
- Respirator or mask
Instructions
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Paint over any repairs with automotive primer according to manufacturer's instructions and allow to dry. If your vehicle is white or black, proceed to the next step. If your vehicle is not white or black, consider having it professionally painted white at an auto body shop, since an overall car paint job requires specialized equipment. Spray paint in cans -- fine for details -- will not give as professional an appearance on a large scale.
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Mask all windows, mirrors, chrome, plastic parts or other areas you do not wish to paint using masking tape and craft paper to cover. Press tape securely along margins adjacent to areas that will be painted to avoid accidental encroachment of paint into unintended regions.
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Start at the top of the truck -- roof, hood and bed, if not using a liner -- and create a pattern mimicking a zebra's back with masking tape, cutting the tape in curves and points before placing the it on the vehicle, to avoid scratching the underlying paint. Use zebra photos as reference for best results.
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Continue taping on the sides, front and back of the vehicle using the sides, head and rear views of real zebras as your guide. Adjust tape as necessary until you achieve your desired pattern, ensuring tape is well pressed down.
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Spray the unmasked areas with black paint. Use short even bursts to lay down several light coats rather than one thick coat of paint, to avoid drips and runs.
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Allow paint to dry for at least 24 hours or in accordance with can instructions, then carefully peel off the masking tape around the stripe design.
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Clear away any tape adhesive that sticks to the paint with a clean art gum eraser.
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Coat the entire surface with a compatible clear automotive paint to seal, allowing it to dry for at least 24 hours.
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Remove masking tape from the remaining surfaces.
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Wait at least a week before washing the vehicle to allow the paint to fully cure and harden. At that point you may also carefully wax and buff it, to help protect the finish.
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Tips & Warnings
Mask large areas with tape and re-spray before sealing, if there are any goof ups. For small mistakes, use diluted auto paint -- match it to the paint in the spray can -- and a fine artist's brush to make minor touchups.
Always spray paint in a well ventilated area and wear a mask designed to prevent paint fume inhalation.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit zebra image by Henryk Olszewski from Fotolia.com
