Now that we know the proper technique to use the sprayer, let’s paint. If you want racing stripes, you have to tape off that section. I would paint the stripes first. So, determine the exact middle of the car, and then mark off how many inches you want on either side. This will give you the blueprint for your stripes. When taping butcher paper for the stripes, I would switch to green painter’s tape. It is a little easier to handle, especially when the lines have to be perfectly straight. After painting the stripes, switch the covered area. This paint needs to be dried overnight. Also, I would use as many coats as you can, which will be around 3-5. Switch the covered area to cover the stripes. Now, paint the car. Again, use as many coats as you used for the stripes. Now that all this is painted, let it cure overnight. Finally, the car has some color.
Now, you need to bring back some of that 1500 grit sandpaper. Make sure you use a new piece. Wet it down, and make a very quick pass over the new paintjob. This will rid it of impurities and overspray. Now, after drying, it is time for the clearcoat. Mix the clearcoat with the correct amount of hardener. Now, you have to spray this in the exact same way as the paint. Personally, I would use the entire gallon of clearcoat, as it is a protective covering and will give the car shine. Now that all the clearcoat is gone, it is time to do the finishing work.
Use another clean sheet of 1200-1500 grit sandpaper. Go over the entire car, and remove what seems to be around 2 coats of clearcoat. Don’t worry, using the entire gallon can give you around 10 coats. This will remove impurities and overspray. Now, the car is almost done. There are only a few things left to do.
First, get a high-quality rubbing compound. This is sort of like waxing a car, but not quite. Next, you need to get a high-speed buffer. This buffer also needs to have two settings. Use a lower speed to rub the compound in, then a high-speed setting to buff the car to a shine. After the rubbing compound is in, give it a coat of wax. High-quality wax is the best. Make sure you get rubbing wax, and no spray-on kind. After giving it a coat of wax, it is time to sit and wait. Try not to drive it for a while. It is best to wait before driving on gravel or dirt roads. Also, after waiting a while, give it another coat of wax. Now that all this is over with, put the trim back on. Remember, when removing the tape, to remove it very slowly. Removing it quickly can rip paint coats off the car. Also, before putting the clearcoat on, make sure to use a fine razor to remove any paint that may have found its way under paper to the glass sections. Remember that drips of car paint are much, much more difficult to remove than drips of standard interior paint. A drip on a car will be almost impossible to blend in. Finally, always remember to spray paint thinner through the gun after every use. This will prevent it from clogging.
Hopefully, this three-part segment has helped you to paint your own car. Painting your own car is not only cheaper, it is much more rewarding. If someone compliments you on your paint job, you can always tell them you did it yourself!
