If you’re thinking of modifying your old car’s paint, you can actually do it yourself. A DIY painting job can save you thousands of dollars on costs. It may be risky but it is definitely possible.
Make sure you are prepared and well researched before you take on this task. You also need to have the right set of tools and equipment to ensure the success of your painting job.
Just follow these instructions.
- Prepare your vehicle.
Clean your working space and make sure there are no dust and debris flying around. Steer clear of shaded areas such as trees because fallen leaves or any other particle can mess up your paint.
Wash your car with the KevianClean Car Wash Shampoo. This will help get rid of oil, dirt and road grime on your exterior surface.
Put a masking tape and newspaper over the areas that are not part of your painting job. This will prevent the paint from ruining other parts of your car.
Before starting any painting job, make sure you wear protective and safety gear including goggles, mask, and gloves. Your safety should always be your number one priority.
- Strip your vehicle.
Sand the exterior surface of your car. You can use a sander but for corners and edges, you’ll have to use your hands. Keep on sanding until you the bare metal of your vehicle becomes visible. The most important factor is that you get a smooth and even surface.
Use a clean cloth to wipe off and remove the dust from the entire surface. Apply a thinner to effectively eliminate any debris left and let it completely dry.
- Prime it.
Mix your primer with a thinner. Just follow the instructions on the label of your paint can. Test your paint spray on a sample panel or metal sheet and practice your spraying technique.
Apply the primer starting from the top towards the bottom. Usually, it takes about two to three coats of primer to cover the entire surface. Allow each coat to dry and cure before applying the next layer.
Use a 2000-grit wet and dry sandpaper to smoothen the surface. Apply a light amount of thinner on a clean cloth and wipe it over the surface.
- Paint your Car.
Mix a thinner to your paint. Spray your paint over the surface with three to four coatings. Allow each coat to dry and cure before spraying over a new layer.
Before you spray on the final coating, sand the surface to remove any residue and wipe off the dust using a clean cloth. Repeat the same process using a clear coat lacquer.
Remove the masking tape and newspaper while your paint is still wet. However, be careful and don’t let it hit your wet paint. Once the paint cures, check if there are any areas you’ve missed. The final step is to buff your paint in circular motions.
Make sure to practice first before you start painting your car.