How to Pearl Paint

Rinse off the auto., Sand the body down for a smooth even finish, especially if you’ve done any body repair or applied filler. , Wash and rinse thoroughly to remove all dust, dirt and grease. , Mask off the auto areas you don’t want paint on...

36 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Rinse off the auto.

Look for imperfections to repair, such as dings, dents, holes and especially rust or corrosion that can eat through the new paint job.

Step 2: Sand the body down for a smooth even finish

,, Use masking tape and paper to cover any areas of the car you do not want any paint on.

If possible, include door jambs and trunk and hood lids, to avoid overspray getting into the interior, engine bay, or trunk. ,,, If possible, arm yourself with separate guns for the different stages, to save time cleaning between stages and to avoid cross-contamination of colors and types of paint. , If possible, use full-spectrum lighting to ensure the light will show accurate color. , Overlap each pass by about 50% to ensure even coverage. , Watch for any body repairs or blemishes that may surface. ,,,,,,, Because candy colors are translucent, like looking through hard candy, you will need to apply at least four coats.

The color darkens as you layer it..

Pearl powder in candy paints intensifies or complement the color, depending on what color pearl you use.

The color coat underneath will show through, with this candy color tinting it, and the pearl giving off an extra deep glow.

Overlap each pass by 75%.

Some professionals also elect to spray a clear coat between the base color and the candy color as added sealant. ,,,,,,

Step 3: especially if you’ve done any body repair or applied filler.

Step 4: Wash and rinse thoroughly to remove all dust

Step 5: dirt and grease.

Step 6: Mask off the auto areas you don’t want paint on (windshield

Step 7: lights

Step 8: wheel wells

Step 9: grill).

Step 10: Wet-sweep the area you intend to paint in.

Step 11: Apply masking paper to the walls and ceiling

Step 12: and lay plastic on the floor for easier cleanup from the overspray once the painting is finished.

Step 13: Make sure the paint gun itself and the hoses feeding the gun are clean.

Step 14: Set up bright

Step 15: even lighting overhead

Step 16: angled to also shine on the sides

Step 17: to avoid shadowing.

Step 18: Lay down a coat of white

Step 19: gray or black primer

Step 20: depending on the final color.

Step 21: Sand the primed surface with 600-grit paper once it’s dry.

Step 22: Repeat with another one or two coats until you’ve established an even base over the whole body.

Step 23: Spray on your base color coat

Step 24: overlapping each pass by 50%.

Step 25: Allow to dry

Step 26: then sand with 1000-grit sandpaper and wash off.

Step 27: Review the color to decide if it’s the hue you want.

Step 28: Spray at least one more coat to ensure you’ve evenly covered the primer.

Step 29: Decide whether to use ghost pearls or candy pearls.

Step 30: Mix the pearl powder into candy paint and add it as a separate layer.

Step 31: Sand with 1000-grit sandpaper after each layer dries.

Step 32: Rinse and lay additional coats one at a time until you achieve the desired hue and saturation.

Step 33: Mix the pearl powder into the base color coat.

Step 34: Spray the color on as the final color.

Step 35: Cover and protect the color with one or two coats of clear coat.

Step 36: Sand one last time.

Detailed Guide