If you want to spice up your set of wheels with a fresh coat of paint, why not do it yourself? Whether your car is sporting a few scratches that have accumulated over time, or you’re tired of the same old coat, it’s time to bring out the paints! Read on to learn more about what you’ll need and how to get started on painting yourself a brand new car. If your car as been acting up lately, or it’s well overdue for a service, we’ve also included some of Wollongong’s best auto mechanic services.
What you’ll need
Be aware of the time you may need to paint your car. As it is a time-consuming job, set aside a few days or a couple of weekends to get it completed. Here’s a checklist of all the tools you’ll need:1200- and 2000-grit wet and dry sandpaper
- An electric or air powered sander
- Masking tape
- Newspaper
- An air compressor and spray gun
- A buffer
- Paint thinners
- Face masks
- Safety glasses
- Undercoat
- Topcoat acrylic or enamel paint
- Clear-coat laquer
Time to prepare
Clean your working area, removing all dust. Ensure you are painting in a place that won’t allow for things to interrupt the painting process, such as leaves falling from trees. If you are just painting the exterior, simply mask the areas you don’t want to paint with the tape and newspapers.
Stripping
Begin sanding the car in circular motions. It is best to sand the car back to bare metal with a smooth finish, however if your are restricted for time, ensure you get a smooth, even surface all over. Once this is done, wipe the whole surface with a clean rag and thinners to remove any dust. Take a break while the thinner residue evaporates before continuing.
Priming
Taking the time to mask the areas you don’t want to paint will be worth it—you don’t ant any of that unsightly overspray! Mix the primer with thinners using the ratios recommended on your paint can, as this will vary. It’s important to practice your spray gun technique beforehand too. Hold the gun around 6 inches from the panel and spray in a side-to-side sweeping motion. Apply the trigger as the gun is moving to avoid the paint thickening in spots. Apply primer from the roof down in thin, even coats. Usually 2 or 3 coats will be needed. Once the primed surface is dry, use 2000-grit wet and dry sandpaper to lightly sand away the powdery finish. Clean the spray gun and wipe the surface with a rag slightly dampened with thinners—be sure to apply a small amount, as too much will strip the primer back.
Painting
Now you’re ready to paint! Mix the paint with the thinners according to the paint can instructions. Use the spray gun technique from before to apply 3-4 topcoats to the surfaces, allowing for drying time in between. Once these are complete, apply the clear-coat lacquer in the same fashion. Carefully remove the masking while the clear coat is still wet. Finally, buff the paint in circular motions with a buffer—don’t keep it in one place too long as you will burn the paint. Take your time and you will be amazed by the amount of self-satisfaction you gain and money you save!
Is your car ready for a service? Check out these Wollongong mechanics.
Wollongong Auto Excellence
Whether you want a quality auto service, rego inspection, air conditioning repair or something else, the friendly team at Wollongong Auto Excellence have got you covered. You’ll be rest assured that your car will hit the road like new once this qualified team have finished with it. Give them a call today for all of your auto needs.
Where: 4 Glebe St Wollongong NSW
Reliance Brakes
With more than 40 years’ experience in the automotive industry, the team at Reliance Brakes will have you in good hands. Committed to the safety of their clients, this qualified team will have you back on the road in no time. Whether you’re after a brake test, quality servicing or a regular auto-checkup, the team at Reliance Brakes can deliver. Call in today!
Where: 1/112 Jardine St Fairy Meadow NSW
