How to Paint a Car

Too often, people find the perfect car to drive, only to realize that the color is definitely not one they would ever choose. If you take the car to a body shop, however, and pay to have that color changed, you probably will lose any extra money you saved in purchasing the car. Painting the car yourself is a perfect solution to your dilemmas. Rather than spending money for a manual, follow these easy directions to create the perfect automobile masterpiece you’re longing for!

Required Materials

Paint primer
Masking Tape
Plastic – enough to cover every window on your car completely
Paint manufactured with a urethane base, your choice of color
Clear coat paint
Wire
Body Putty
Wax stripper, degreaser
Black enamel paint
Soap and water
Sandpaper

Required Tools

Garage or enclosed location for painting
Rags – for cleaning
Paint sprayer
Putty knife
Garden hose or bucket

Before you begin

Wash your car thoroughly. Remove wax, grease, and road tar. Make sure the surface is completely clean. Use a garden hose to rinse, or fill the bucket with water and rinse.
Sand any rusty areas, scratches, or rough areas on the car’s surface.
Remove any static dust from your car’s body so that it will not attract any more dust. To do this, ground your car by attaching a wire to your car’s frame and securing it to a grounded object.
Your car should be totally clean and dry before you begin to paint.
Cover any windows with plastic. Secure the plastic to the rubber seal around the windows with masking tape. Cover any other parts of the car that you do not want to paint.
Examine the car carefully for rust holes or uneven areas. Spread putty over these and even it out so that the car’s surface appears smooth.
Allow the putty to dry completely.

Painting your Car

Load the paint sprayer with primer. Carefully spray the primer evenly across the entire surface of the car. Allow it to dry. Clean the paint sprayer.
Load the paint sprayer with black enamel. Carefully spray the enamel across the entire surface of the car. Allow it to dry. Clean the paint sprayer
Sand the primer and enamel coat carefully, smoothing out any drips or rough areas on the paint. The entire coat of black enamel must be removed with sandpaper before you apply the color coat.
Load the paint sprayer with the urethane-based color coat. Spray the entire surface of the car carefully with the color paint. Allow this coat to dry.
Repeat step four. Clean the paint sprayer and allow the top coat to dry.
Load the paint sprayer with clear coat. Carefully spray the clear coat across the entire surface of the car. Allow it to dry.
Repeat step 6 twice. Clean the paint sprayer when finished.
Allow the car to dry overnight. Add any decals or racing stripes by carefully covering the areas not to be painted. Use a small brush to add any extra designs you desire.
Remove the masking tape and plastic from the windows and other covered areas.
Admire your new, inexpensive paint job!

Tips

Paint the car indoors if possible. This will avoid getting insects, leaves, or windblown objects in your paint.
If you cannot paint indoors, use plastic to create a windbreak to protect the paint as much as possible.
Always paint in a well-ventilated area to avoid toxic exposure to paint fumes.
The paint will dry only if no moisture is present. Avoid painting your car, if possible, during rainy or extremely humid days. The temperature of the area in which you are painting should be at least 55 degrees F for optimal results.