Painting your car is a nice DIY project that could be done at home, but many people tend to avoid it because of excessive cost and also the degree of prep-work involved. Getting a spray gun, air compressor and also the right clear coat, primer spray, buffing compound, anti-rust solution and numerous more things are all things that a severe DIY car enthusiast will list to do the job well. But have you considered the alternative? A less costly alternative? A technique that depends upon thriftiness?
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. Rustoleum paint and high-density foam brushes are the key elements of the spending budget technique. Sanding is kept to a minimum. Just keep in mind that this isn’t something Earl Scheib would recommend for your new car. Results are by no means guaranteed, and the procedure should be undertaken at your own risk. However, the results for Styluss were highly satisfactory; look into the photos at the Instructables Workshop link below for proof.
What you will need
What follows are estimates. What your vehicle will need may vary. Styluss painted an average-sized sedan, but if you’re 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
A large place to work is essential. Washing the car is the next step. Anything that could be removed from the car (headlights, tail lights, mirrors, trim, etc.) should be removed. Sanding is the next step. If you will find paint chips, bust out the spray primer. A well-sanded surface ensures that paint will go on evenly. Mask off non-painted areas with the painter’s tape and paper.
Now painting your car can commence
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 within 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
Once you have decided upon your method, pour some paint mix into a paint tray and get to work. Four-inch brushes are good for large areas, when the smaller two-inch is better for fine detail. Lay the paint on thick in an area, and then spread it around to cover and create a base. Brush with slow strokes that never vary in direction. Drips and sags should right away be addressed. If they’re minor, just brush over them. Big ones may require re-sanding and re-starting. 3 coats, each allowed to dry for six to 12 hours, should be enough. Undiluted Rustoleum takes a day to dry on a house or deck. Within the mineral spirits mix, cut that at least in half.
Sand, sand and coat
After the three coats of paint have dried, soak the 600-grit sandpaper in water and sand until you get that surface. Spray away residue with a hose, and buff for a nice shine. If the original coats went on smoothly, the additional sanding may not even be needed. Next, apply at least a couple more coats for a nice, rich look. 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. 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 are of a mind and want to spend more money, you will have to strip the Rustoleum off first. But you may not need it; “The Poor Man’s Paint Job” will conserve you money and can produce quite enough results.
Discover more information here:
Instructables.com
instructables.com/id/The-Poor-Mans-Paint-Job-or…-How-to-paint-your-c/
