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First time repaint - comments and suggestions?

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  • #1

    First time repaint - comments and suggestions?

    Back once again with some more questions

    Before I start, I want to show some pictures of my current paint finish. This has been this way since I bought the car 3 years ago. It has slowly gotten worse, and I am fed up now!
    ***WARNING: The paint finish you are about to see is obscenely damaged...***















    At this point, things can really only get better from here. My dad offered to help me get it repainted, but I have been quoted between 1,800 and 3,000 for a paint job. I totally understand that you pay for what you get and I am all about paying for quality, because that is what truly matters. But I was thinking to myself the other day: "My paint is so messed up that it only can be improved...why don't I make this into a learning experience?". So that is what I plan on doing soon, making it a learning experience. Worse case scenario, I have to have it professionally done like I was going to in the first place...

    So here are some questions and thoughts. I would really appreciate any and all help! What's funny is I have stopped posting at other forums because this has been the most helpful and kind online community I have ever been to! Thanks!

    1. A repaint is in order! But what tools are going to be needed to do so?
    -Currently I have a 30 Gallon Husky Air compressor that has NEVER been
    used. But this is all I have...
    -As for the other tools I need, is harbor freight a good place to get them?
    I have seen some HVLP guns for sale there for a relatively low price...but
    that makes me question their quality?

    3. From what I have heard, PPG is the best paint to go with. Thoughts?
    -Regardless of brand, how do I get it to match my factory or close to
    what it was?

    4. I was considering doing a single stage and not doing a cc. I really don't
    the whole clear coat failure, and from my extensive reading here, SS
    tend to have a deeper, wetter look overall and are much softer to work
    on? Possible?


    5. I am under the impression that regardless of what you do, getting down to the metal is the best procedure for painting, is this correct? If not, why?

    I have a slight working knowledge of how to do this, but not enough to go out and do it. If you could provide any insight or help I would be greatly appreciative. I will also post more comments and questions as time goes by. This paint job won't be for awhile as I am starting school this monday and all my money is going to that tuition bill, but once winter rolls around I am looking at doing a few things to the vehicle while I am on break.

    post away
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: First time repaint - comments and suggestions?

    Your compressor is an adequate size-

    spray wise you would be best to avoid Harbor Freight spray guns.

    Here's a brief list of key items beyonfd the compressor-
    • In-line air water/oil filter
    • Real face mask filter with rating for paint fumes- New paints are very hazardous. Get advise from your paint job shop.
    • Basic panel spray gun like a Sharpe, Binks or Devilbiss (ETC.)- There are good copy guns possibly available from your paint jobbers shop and other auto paint supply shops Supply. The gun needs to be capable of the paint you use- ask the jobber about your setup.
    • A Sharpe or other at the gun type adjustable pressure gage will help with pressure settings.
    • You will need to wet sand the clear coat to the base coat to avoid paint lifting.
    • Wipe all the fender lips and gas cap recess, etc where dirt and crud will cause peeling of paint.
    • There are tricks to lift the rubber trim so paint goes under the rubber for clean look.
    • A top mounted cup spray gun helps you avoid paint drops on the hood and top.
    • Practice on a damaged fender or something before going straight to your first project.
    • PPG is good paint as is Marson, Dupont, Martin Senour.
    • Paint filtering is not a option- it is a must to do.
    • Adding more paint reducer does not extend paint coverage. Reduce to mfg guidelines.
    • Bumpers require a flex additive
    • Wet down your floor to minimize dusts.
    • Add fisheye reducer to avoid little solvent rings and oil rings.
    Here is one way to get a better job giving lack of experience-

    Before doing the main coating-With 3-4" spray pattern "block" paint in the smaller crevices and jambs and door handle recesses, roof rails etc.: allow to dry then 600 wet sand any overspray areas. That way you concentrate on the overall coverage without thin spots or runs from forcing excess paint in crevices.

    Get and lightly use pack of tack cloths.
    Painting is 95% prep 5% spraying.

    Spray in overalpping rows with overlap just past the fender.

    Paint spray fender to door gaps.

    Avoid painting air when you pass a fender

    Expect two wet coats and don't rush it

    If you really want to do this- the money on paint practice will be worth it

    Get advise from a expereiced DIY painter or jobber that is willing to advise you.

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: First time repaint - comments and suggestions?

      one more suggestion to consider-

      Paint your car in sections:

      First- paint Hood, roof to the outside body seam and decklid
      (consider removing hood and paint separate?)
      Second- Paint the sides and front/rear (masking the tops)
      Lastly- paint the bumpers (They require elastomer additive anyway)

      This way you are not overwhelmed and you get less overspray and orange peel where it is often made by beginners.

      More masking and time but outcome maybe better

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: First time repaint - comments and suggestions?

        Thanks for the info! I don't know anyone who can help me out or is willing to advise me. Maybe I'll make some nice contacts at the local PBE shop

        I am glad to know that my compressor is sufficient, I was worried for some reason that it wouldn't be. As far as harbor freight in general goes, is it ****? Sorry to be so blunt, but I really am looking at getting a few things from there, unless it is not good.

        Currently I am in the middle of repainting my brother's rims on his mustang and the one thing that is going through my mind over and over is what my old P&B friend used to tell me: "Take your time, it is all about the prep". So I definitely agree with you.

        Here are some more questions:

        *I do want some clarification: is it better to get down to the base metal and paint from there?

        *What is the difference between primers? I saw a self etching primer, a sandable primer, and I believe it was a "thick" or "heavy filler" primer.


        thanks!

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: First time repaint - comments and suggestions?

          *What is the difference between primers? I saw a self etching primer, a sandable primer, and I believe it was a "thick" or "heavy filler" primer.
          Etching primer means it both etches the metal for adhesion and primes the surface for paint. Most Often for aluminum

          Sandable primer from Dulplicolor is truly sandable- Rustoleum and alot of big box store primers are enamel baed aerosols- POOR sanding unless it dries a few days.

          If you mean spray gun applied sandable primers- they are usually epoxy or lacquer- Epoxy is harder to sand than lacquer.

          Warning two part paints require special filter masks.

          NOTE- aerolsol lacquer primer over bare metal has poor rust proofing if wet outside. Lacquer is porous.

          Filler primers which I recommend for your car have high pigment levels and are good at filling scratches and low paint spots, It is easily sanded and leveled to minimize the peaks and valleys of sanded paint and bondo.

          AS far as sanding to metal or the color coat- depends on the condition of the paint and your ability to wet sand it off- (lots of opinions on this).

          Most shops do not have time for fine sanding and DA sanders cut to metal fast. Looks like your top coat is almost all gone. Probably easier/faster to strip to bare metal- just be careful of trim and rubber damage.

          The one tool like okay from Harbor Freight is a DA sander- Most of these are made in China. Chicago Pneumatic is decent. I advise using hook/loop 80/120 for paint removal and 320 papers for clear coat. 400/600 for wetsanding.

          The hood I recomend enviromental safe chemical striping due to hood flex.

          Spray guns from HF are best to use on trailers and metal frames and so on. Getting different spray tips and needles are likely non existent?

          Cost wise for quality I like Sharpe spray guns. There are lots of good ones elsewhere. Go to Eastwood Automotive web site for options and info.
          good luck to you.

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: First time repaint - comments and suggestions?

            Wow, you have been a great help!

            As I have mentioned earlier, my brother wanted to redo his wheels. I sanded them down pretty well and used the self etching primer, and the primer worked AWESOME! Didn't sand it down before laying the top coat, but it really worked well! I'll keep that in mind while I am working on my car.


            Funny that you mention that Eastwood place, I did a good amount of reading and researching on there. When it comes time to paint, I'll definitely be getting my gun from there. I don't want a crappy gun; even though this is really a learning experience, I don't want it to look like one

            thanks again! I'll check back in with more questions if I have any!

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: First time repaint - comments and suggestions?

              You are welcome- Easwood also has dvd's on refinishing.

              PS--It may be more faster and more economical to replace your rear bumper cover with a used one or replacment part.

              It is very dificult to strip and prep bumper covers.

              Later

              Comment

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