DIY Paintjob

[62bagger]

Originally Posted by Robert Haas

Preparation is 95% of painting. That, and a damn clean/dry air source will get you in the ball park. I don't expect folks doing their first few jobs to step up to pro level equipment but there is a reason the pros spend over a grand on a gun and have different guns for different tasks.

My paint game leaped big time when I joined the high dollar gun club.

Shooting single stage jobs with little to no metallic or pearls is doable in a garage or walled off car port on a windless, warm morning. Remember to get the hose out and totally soak the floor under the vehicle just before you shoot. I do not recommend using air circulation fans as they do tend to blow crap into fresh paint.

Couple other good tips is to understand the difference between primers and sealers, and do not skimp on de-nubbing the primer between coats.

Put the color on within 1 hour of the final sealer coat. It will enhance the bond tremendously.


Invest in the proper masking materials and learn to wrap the vehicle in plastic to cover any areas not being shot. (This is to actually keep the dirt and dust that is on the vehicle from being blown out on to your paint)

Use your dried air source with a blow off nozzle to clear any dust and sanding residue in the seams and joints just before you tack off.

Do not use rags and cloths as a tack cloth. Buy the correct product and use a tack off solvent not lacquer thinner.

Practice practice practice with your gun so you have good speed and distance control.

I just painted with a gun for the first time. I painted my firewall and the prep took what seemed like forever and the spraying was over in minutes. The sanding, priming, cleaning and masking took days. I'm glad it was a small project. I would agree the prep is 95%. Having the patience to stick with all the prep details is critical.

[REDROCKER652002]

Great post. I have been wanting to try this for years. My son's 69 hood decided to take a walk on it's own while he was going down the road, so I might use it as my practice run, and see how it goes. It probably won't be for a bit, but if it works out, it could be lots of fun for him and me to work on. I have to get my dad's old compressor over here, and get it set up.

[LT1 Burb]

I just finished up my second project, lots of work, did quarters, floors, etc etc. I blocked on this car for hours, it turned out ok.

[jrusher]

Originally Posted by LT1 Burb

I just finished up my second project, lots of work, did quarters, floors, etc etc. I blocked on this car for hours, it turned out ok.

Nice Beaumont and nice work !

[nsb29]

Originally Posted by LT1 Burb

I just finished up my second project, lots of work, did quarters, floors, etc etc. I blocked on this car for hours, it turned out ok.

I’ll bet it was more like weeks not hours looks super straight