Painting your car is a DIY project some will readily undertake, but others avoid due to the perceived cost and difficulty of the work. Such 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 thrifty way?
Painting your car can cost only $ 75
Styluss at Instructables Workshop points to “The Poor Man’s Paint Job as a means of painting your car for less. It only costs $ 75. Rustoleum paint and high-density foam brushes are the key elements of the spending budget technique. Sanding is kept to a minimum. Keep in mind that this is not a job for a lazy person, though. You will find no guarantees here, so proceed at your own risk. It worked for Styluss, as photos at Instructables Workshop attest.
Get this together
Here are estimates for the necessary items. What your vehicle will need may vary. These instructions are for an average-sized sedan, so a truck or larger SUV will require 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 intended for wet use (600- and 800-grit) = $9.50
1 roll of painter’s tape = $5.84
Total: $74.74
Getting ready
Find a large, clean area to do the job. Discover one, then wash the vehicle. Anything that can be removed from the car (headlights, tail lights, mirrors, trim, etc.) should be removed. Then sand the car. If the old paint is chipped, use a spray primer over the spots. Sand it evenly so that the paint has a smooth surface to which it can adhere. Painter’s tape and paper to mask non-paint areas will be necessary.
Painting your car – It is time
Mix the paint half-and-half with mineral spirits. The paint mix should have a milk-like consistency, runny but nevertheless thick. Styluss recommends applying each coat of paint in the exact same order so that you’ll be sure not to overdo areas or miss anything. Start with the roof of the car and move down and around. Make it uniform, as going back to dry area to paint alongside will create ugly paint lines.
Be methodical and paint in one direction
Plan your attack, get paint in the tray and get going. Use the larger brushes for larger areas and smaller for the finer information. From a thick application, spread the paint to create a base layer. Slowly glide the brush along, always making certain to stroke within the same direction. Drips and sags can happen, so watch for them. If they’re minor, just brush over them. Larger gaffs may require that you break out the sandpaper and begin 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. Within the mineral spirits mix, cut that at least in half.
Sand to smooth for more coats
After the primer coats are finished drying, wet-sand the car with the 600-grit sandpaper to smooth the way for the final coats. Take care of the residue with a hose, then buff. If painting your car went perfectly, you may not need the additional sanding. Now you’re ready for the final coats for that rich appearance. Dry appropriately, sand (this time with at least 800-grit) and spray.
That’s it. How does it feel to be finished?
The time has come, but don’t jump into heavy washing or waxing for at least another day. Some brush strokes may be visible, but in Styluss’s case, these were hard to see. For $ 75, “The Poor Man’s Paint Job” is more than worth it, considering how exciting your car looks. Some people who have tried this claim the paint strips after a year to 18 months, but many others have gotten real life out of this thrifty makeover. If you’re of a mind and want to spend more money, you’ll have to strip the Rustoleum off first. For the money, “The Poor Man’s Paint Job” is still a good deal.
Citations:
Instructables.com
instructables.com/id/The-Poor-Mans-Paint-Job-or…-How-to-paint-your-c/
