DIY Paint Job that can be detailed?

[xantonin]

Hello all! I know this may not be the best place to ask but I know most of you have good information and are very knowledgeable (I <3 you all)

So my friend just bought an '87 Bronco, the thing has some rust and clear coat failure. The front is clear coated, the rest seems to be a single stage paint.

Either way, we plan to repaint it ourselves. We don't have much $$$ but we were looking into affordable ways to accomplish this. The idea of spray cans came up, although we still plan to sand down the surface and get rid of any rust. Again this is a 22 year old car that is a bit beat up. We're not looking for an expensive paint job or show-car finish but we'd like to do a decent job. (Personally I'd like to detail to to being show-car quality..)

We're going to with a black color. Possibly a flat black..

Would anyone perhaps have some recommendations on painting it, types of paint to use, and method? Is it possible to do a decent job with canned spray paints? Can you do a clear coat with spray cans (or is it better to do single-stage? How well can it be detailed with M07 etc

Thanks for any help

[new2detailing]

Re: DIY Paint Job that can be detailed?

Would anyone perhaps have some recommendations on painting it, types of paint to use, and method? Is it possible to do a decent job with canned spray paints? Can you do a clear coat with spray cans (or is it better to do single-stage? How well can it be detailed with M07 etc
----------------------------------------

It is possible, with a caveat. You have to properly prep the paint, wetsand, etc. I have no experience with flat paint and how to "blend" it when finishing one can to another.
Duplicolor makes a VOC approved laquer Paint Shop system with ready mixed cans. Just use an appropriate spray gun and done. (plus it can be color sanded to perfection).
There are other sites that have shown very good "rolled-on" paint jobs that use either Rustoleum or Topside boat paint. The downside is a lot of wetsanding is involved and the time commitment.

You just have to be realistic. One a paint job is only going to look good if proper prep work is done (otherwise it just highlights imperfections). If you decide to roll it or use a spray can, realize that it will not be as durable as a proper automotive paint job. Dupli-color's sytem is perfect for an inexpensive paint job, but laquer is not as durable as other systems. Flat paint is rather difficult to blend, detail, etc. Personally if I am doing all the work, I want to see a shiny car at the end of all my labor.

[xantonin]

Re: DIY Paint Job that can be detailed?

I agree! I'll discuss some of these options with my friend.

I have an air compressor, maybe investing in a paint gun would be worthwhile. If it were my own car I would take a long time working on it. But I don't think he cares too much about time, so we'll have to see.

By durability, do you mean it may peel in the future even if good prep work is done, or do you mean the more prep work must be done to make it more durable?

[Murr1525]

Re: DIY Paint Job that can be detailed?

Flat black will definately be hard to detail.

[new2detailing]

Re: DIY Paint Job that can be detailed?

In terms of durability, there are many people that have used Rustoleum (either spray or rolled) on their vehicles. While, Rustoleum is a very respected brand, it really wasn't intended for automobiles (sap, bugs, UV, oxidation, etc) and may dull if not properly protected. Others have resorted to boat specific paint(i.e. TopSide) as it has UV inhibitors and is formulated for harsh marine duty. This would assist in overall durability.
The Dupli-color system uses a dedicated primer, base, and clear coat system and should be very durable. (approx. cost for such a system is about $100). The advantage of this is that it is specifically designed for automobiles and the home user in mind. It is very forgiving and has no typical repaint windows like other paints so it can really work around your schedule. (A cheapo Harbor Freight spray gun will be more than adequate for this application).

In refering to prep work, I am talking about the sanding,taping, straightening of panels, using appropriate pre-paint prep cleaners, and wet sanding after painting. Proper prep work will not only have a perfect start to painting but will help in the adhesion of any paint. For the record, i have seen several stunning examples of superb "rolled-on" paint jobs and several awful ones. It comes down to proper prep work and the tedious wet-sanding and polishing.

[JimboB5]

Re: DIY Paint Job that can be detailed?

2nd the Duplicolor or Rustoleum job - can google something like $75 paint job and will find instructions on the brush/roller Rustoleum. As already mentioned, flat will be hard to detail/blend... if you try to wet sand and buff ( will become shiny anyway ).

[mpavlas]

Re: DIY Paint Job that can be detailed?

Using spray cans to paint your vehicle can be acceptable but your results are not going to be what I think you are looking for. First your coverage is going to be minimal. If you try paint correction in the future, there will not be much to work with. Second, trying to get a uniform coat over even the smallest panel is difficult because the spray patter is so small.

Many of the major paint lines make cheaper lines for DIY or small shops. They can premix a color for you and all you have to do is spray it. Your best bet since you have no experience is to go with a solid color, using a single stage system. Harbor freight offers cheap guns that would suit your needs.

[hascet]

Re: DIY Paint Job that can be detailed?

Rustoleum makes spray can paint specifically for automobiles that says it can be polished and waxed. I've used the semi gloss black for the kickstand and triple tree on my motorcycle and it was really easy to apply and looks pretty good. I got it at Menards too.