A Walkthrough on How to Paint Your Car Like A Pro

by IndianAuto Team | 16/08/2018
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We’ve dedicated this article to everyone who is wondering how to pull this task off without screwing up their vehicle’s look at the first try.

Usually, for a car maniac, the hard labour of keeping their own car looking fine (like just brought from a dealer a few seconds ago) alone may overwhelm laymen learning how deep it can go, and the whole work going into this sprucing-up job may take forever listing every single to-do step out here. But most of the time, all it takes for a touch-up to liven up your beloved car’s appearance is merely a simple round of paint spraying (of course with care and skills). We’ve dedicated this article to everyone who is wondering how to pull this task off without screwing up their vehicle’s look at the first try! Alright, no more rambling, let us cut to the point!

1. Preparation 

car being washed with soap, man using green wash mitt

Smooth and clean surface for even and the nice coat

It is very important to keep in mind to clean the surface and wipe off all the dust, grime, normal road build up, tree sap, bird dropping, etc. You can use soap and a wash mitt for such job. After the washing business is finished, feel the surface with your hands to check for bumps, protuberances and rub them off with sandpaper. Make sure there is no debris left after the process.

2. How To Pull It Off

Before you start, put on your paint respirator for protection. The paint odour may bother you quite a bit and the components used to produce the paint contain hazardous chemicals which have the harmful effect on your body. Normal cloth masks provide nearly no help against toxic fluid like paint.

Take out the paint spray can and give it a few shakes to have a consistent paint spray and an even coat of paint when you’re done. Repeat the process several times till the very last spray.

Keep the can away from the surface within 25 to 30 cm, then push down the nozzle tip and gently (I repeat gently) move your arm from one side to another to spread the paint evenly. Release the nozzle tip when you’re pleased with the saturation. Avoid squeezing too much paint in one spray since it doesn’t allow enough time for the paint to dry up completely, repeated application is highly more recommended if you’re in no hurry.

Remember to check with the information of the paint on the spray can learn more about drying rate for more efficient painting.

man painting rear end of a car with a spray can

Remember to check with the information of the paint on the spray can learn more about drying rate for more

Cardboard paint booth, human hand checking the light inside the booth

Make yourself a painting booth to avoid wasting paint while painting small items

You can build a small booth out of cardboard for a small painting job to regulate the amount of paint being used. Integrate a turntable (also from cardboard) so it will be easier to paint all sides of the object without you having to touch it. 

3. The spray gun is more preferred for this job

car being red paint sprayed with spray gun in painting booth

A novice should consider the use of a spray gun if they have never handled a spray can before

Coming back to the car painting business. If you are not familiar with working with the spray can for this task, give spray gun the first shot because it is easier to use. The device delivers a more consistent spray which is more likely to have a better result.

Also Read - Guide To Restore And Refresh Car Paint

Finally, in case you don’t feel bothered enough, well just take your car to the nearest garage or workshop for the touch-up. It sure will cost you quite a bunch more than the cost you do yourself but at least you don’t have to get your hands dirty and you get to have people with skills pull the trick off smoothly. But if the financial situation doesn’t support such act of passing the bucket with a fee, roll up your sleeves and get it done, folks. The first few times may not turn out as what you expect, but have patience and the likelihood is that you will have perfected the art the moment you least expect it.

Read more tips and guides from IndianAuto

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