Painting your car for only $ 75

Painting your car is a DIY project some will readily undertake, but others stay away from as a result of perceived cost and difficulty of the work. Such costly things as a spray gun, air compressor and a host of various paints and other chemicals are part of the laundry list of expenses. But what about the option? A less costly alternative? A way that errs on the side of thrift?

Article source: Painting your car the thrifty way – for only $ 75 by Car Deal Expert

Painting your car can cost only $ 75

Painting your car for less is very possible with “The Poor Man’s Paint Job,” as outlined by Styluss at Instructables Workshop. There’s that amazing price tag of $ 75. In short, the technique involves using Rustoleum as an automotive paint and applying it with a high-density foam brushes. Plus the workload is lessened, as only minimal sanding is necessary. Even though it is cheap and relatively easy, just keep in mind that there are things that can go wrong if you aren’t careful, but recovery is possible. No guarantees are offered with this process, so practice carefully. It worked for Styluss, as photos at Instructables Workshop attest.

Get this together

Here are estimates for the necessary items. Your vehicle’s needs may vary. Styluss painted an average-sized sedan, but if you are working on an SUV or large truck, you’ll likely need more.

3 quarts of Rustoleum high gloss white paint = $23.61
3 quarts of odorless mineral spirits = $17.97
1 can of primer spray paint = $4.99
4-inch high-density foam brushes (7) = $5.67
2-inch high-density foam brushes (7) = $3.95
Paint trays (3) = $3.21
2 packs of sandpaper designed for wet use (600- and 800-grit) = $9.50
1 roll of painter’s tape = $5.84
Total: $74.74

Preparing for the adventure

You’ll need a large, clean workspace. Next, wash the car. Remove all attachments that you do not want to paint. Now you’re ready to sand the car. If you will find paint chips, bust out the spray primer. A well-sanded surface ensures that paint will go on evenly. Painter’s tape and paper to mask non-paint areas will be necessary.

Now painting your car can commence

Mix the paint half-and-half with mineral spirits. It should look like milk. It is advisable to apply coats methodically in a exact same order so you won’t miss anything. Start with the roof of the car and move down and around. Just be careful to make it smooth and fluid, as letting one area dry with unfinished edges will produce paint lines if you double back.

Go slow and paint the right way

Pick a direction, pour some mix within the tray and start your painting voyage. Big brushes are great for big parts, and the smaller ones are ideal for little segments. Put the paint down thick, then spread it to fill the area as a base. Brush slowly and in the very same direction. Drips and sags can happen, so watch for them. Little ones could be brushed over. Larger gaffs may require that you break out the sandpaper and start the process again. Three coats should do it, with six to 12 hours of drying time after each coat. Undiluted Rustoleum takes a day to dry on a house or deck. Diluted here, assume about half that time frame or better.

Sand to smooth for more coats

Following the primer coats are finished drying, wet-sand the car with the 600-grit sandpaper to smooth the way for the final coats. Spray off any sanded away residue, then buff it to a shine. If painting your car went perfectly, you may not need the additional sanding. If so, you’re ready for the final coats. Allow the final coats (2-3) to dry, then sand with 800-grit or higher.

You’re done! How does it look?

Wait at least a full day before washing or waxing your newly painted car. While it is true that some brush strokes may show up on close inspection, these could be quite minor if you were careful. For $ 75, “The Poor Man’s Paint Job” is more than worth it, considering how exciting your car looks. Yes, the paint may strip in a year, but your cash outlay was not tremendous. If you want to spend more money, strip the Rustoleum off and go to a professional. “The Poor Man’s Paint Job” technique will save you money and produce reasonable results.

More info about this topic at these websites:

Instructables.com

instructables.com/id/The-Poor-Mans-Paint-Job-or…-How-to-paint-your-c/