How to Paint a Car
Find a suitable place to perform the work., Gather the materials and equipment you will need to do the job., Remove rust and repair any dents you do not want to be visible when the painting is complete. , Remove any chrome or plastic trim which can...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Find a suitable place to perform the work.
You will need a place with excellent ventilation, minimal dust, good lighting, electricity, and lots of room to work around the vehicle.
Residential garages are not usually suitable because of the presence of water heaters or furnaces that may cause ignition of paint fumes which can accumulate during the painting process. , See "Things You'll Need" for a complete list, but here is a general outline:
Painting equipment Paint Sanding and polishing tools and supplies Safety equipment ,, Much of the body panel moldings used on cars can be snapped off and snapped back on easily, but if a gentle attempt to remove it is not successful, do not try to force it off.
Some stores sell tools that aid in the process of removing trim. , How much you choose to sand is up to you, but the best results will require removing the paint down to bare metal, re-priming the surface with an automotive primer, and then applying your finish paint. ,, Make sure that there are no holes in the masking tape and paper that will allow overspray to get through.
Covering your garage with plastic is also a good idea to avoid permanently coloring the room -
Step 2: Gather the materials and equipment you will need to do the job.
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Step 3: Remove rust and repair any dents you do not want to be visible when the painting is complete.
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Step 4: Remove any chrome or plastic trim which can be taken off easily and replace later.
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Step 5: Sand the paint either to the bare metal
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Step 6: the original primer
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Step 7: or at least sufficiently for the new paint to adhere to.
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Step 8: Clean all surfaces thoroughly
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Step 9: using mineral spirits or denatured alcohol to make sure no oils (including body oils from fingers and hands) are on the car.
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Step 10: Use masking tape and paper to cover all surfaces not to be painted
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Step 11: including glass
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Step 12: window trim
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Step 13: door handles
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Step 14: mirrors
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Step 15: and grills.
Detailed Guide
You will need a place with excellent ventilation, minimal dust, good lighting, electricity, and lots of room to work around the vehicle.
Residential garages are not usually suitable because of the presence of water heaters or furnaces that may cause ignition of paint fumes which can accumulate during the painting process. , See "Things You'll Need" for a complete list, but here is a general outline:
Painting equipment Paint Sanding and polishing tools and supplies Safety equipment ,, Much of the body panel moldings used on cars can be snapped off and snapped back on easily, but if a gentle attempt to remove it is not successful, do not try to force it off.
Some stores sell tools that aid in the process of removing trim. , How much you choose to sand is up to you, but the best results will require removing the paint down to bare metal, re-priming the surface with an automotive primer, and then applying your finish paint. ,, Make sure that there are no holes in the masking tape and paper that will allow overspray to get through.
Covering your garage with plastic is also a good idea to avoid permanently coloring the room
About the Author
Stephanie Jenkins
Writer and educator with a focus on practical pet care knowledge.
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