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 choice? A cheaper way? A way that errs on the side of thrift?
Painting your car for just $ 75 is a reality
According to Styluss at Instructables Workshop, there is a way to undertake painting your car via “The Poor Man’s Paint Job” technique. It only costs $ 75. The technique uses Rustoleum paint and high-density foam brushes. Sanding is kept to a minimum. Just keep in mind that it is not something Earl Scheib would recommend for your new car. You will find no guarantees here, so proceed at your own risk. It worked for Styluss, as photos at Instructables Workshop attest.
The gear to do the job
Here are estimates of the necessary materials. Your requirements 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 intended for wet use (600- and 800-grit) = $9.50
1 roll of painter’s tape = $5.84
Total: $74.74
Preparing for the adventure
Find a large, clean area to do the job. Next, wash the car. Anything that can be removed from the car (headlights, tail lights, mirrors, trim, etc.) should be removed. Sanding is the next step. 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. Apply painter’s tape and mask off the windows and other areas you do not want painted.
Painting your car – It’s time
Mix the paint first so it is half paint and half mineral spirits. The paint mix should have a milk-like consistency, runny but nevertheless thick. It is advisable to apply coats methodically in a same order so you won’t miss anything. Start high and work down. Allowing one area to dry when edges are undone will create unsightly paint lines.
Be methodical and paint in one direction
Pick a direction, pour some mix within the tray and start your painting voyage. Four-inch brushes are good for large areas, when the smaller two-inch is better for fine detail. From a thick application, spread the paint to create a base layer. Slowly glide the brush along, always making sure to stroke in the very same direction. Drips and sags can happen, so watch for them. If they’re minor, just brush over them. Big ones may require re-sanding and re-starting. Three coats should do it, with six to 12 hours of drying time after each coat. Undiluted Rustoleum takes 24 hours to dry. With the mineral spirits, cut that time 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. 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. Dry appropriately, sand (this time with at least 800-grit) and spray.
You’re done! How does it look?
Before washing and waxing the car, wait at least one full day. Some brush strokes may be visible, but in Styluss’s case, these were hard to see. ”The Poor Man’s Paint Job” is a great deal for $ 75, as it gives new life to your car. It is possible that the job will only last a year, but consider that you didn’t pay much for this makeover. If you need to spend more money, strip the Rustoleum off and go to a professional. But you may not need it; “The Poor Man’s Paint Job” will save you money and can produce quite sufficient results.
Citations:
Instructables.com
instructables.com/id/The-Poor-Mans-Paint-Job-or…-How-to-paint-your-c/
