Anyone know of a good source for paint? Or how to get paint matched to the existing paint? Has anyone painted their car themselves? I have two cars to do: my 59 Edsel and my 72 Country Sedan.
From your question, I assume you've never done this before? A good (spray) paint job requires a lot of preparation and experienced technique, as well as a very clean environment. There's a lot on the internet about auto painting-video's, how-to's etc. If you just hang plastic up in your garage, buy a few rolls of blue tape, get a HF spray gun, that's what you're going to get - a 'garage' paint job. If you are serious, I would suggest going to your local community college auto tech department, and take a body class, then maybe a paint class. Get a few used doors or fenders from a junk yard and practice. Talk to a real painter - that's employed at a body shop.
You do the body work and then take it to Macco AND FORGET ABOUT $99 AND OUT THE DOOR. If they do the body work you better have deep pockets so start with 80 grit, and work your way thru' 240, 400, and 800 grit before heading off to macco. PPG and Dupont are both running 'bout $75 a pint rite now and it takes a minimum of two quarts and three is better and safer to shoot the average car. Most base Coats reduce 50%X50% so you will end up with 1 1/2 Gallons if you buy 3 qts of Base Coat. Then theirs Reducer, Hardner, Clear Coat and solvent "for clean up" and a box of 100 throw away rubber gloves to add into the mix. Figure anywhere from $150 to $500 for a good gravity gun. Another $100 to $150 for a decent resperator. Then practice, practice, practice and remember: CLEANLYNESS IS NEXT TO GODLYNESS. IF YOU SHOOT INSIDE, WET DOWN YOUR FLOOR AND BUG SPRAY BEFORE YOU EVEN TAC CLOTH. IF YOU SHOOT OUTSIDE, WAIT FOR THE WIND TO DIE DOWN AND REMEMBER: MOSQUITO WINGS WILL SAND OUT AFTER IT'S DRY Which ever way you jump your out a couple grand minimum to the funest hobby on the planet, Jer
Not too concerned about the cost really. And no I wasn't planning on just hanging up some plastic and slapping some paint on. Thanks anyway.
Wasn't trying to Scare you or offend you neighbor, just telling you the way it is! You'll pay between $3000 and $10000 to have any paint job worth two hoots layed down on either one of your cars and part of that cost will be to insure that who ever you hire knows how to match your colors. The numbers for the paint codes are out there. Please just understand that the preperation work is the key to a good paint job and most shops are charging upwards of a $100 per hour to remove bumpers, trim and make repairs on what ever and where ever. Happy Trails, Jer
Wasn't trying to scare you, either - just trying to get the paint across that it's not easy. A couple of guys here have been very successful doing roller paint jobs on their vehicles http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=711&highlight=Roller+paint+job http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10966&highlight=Roller+paint+job
I have painted about 50 cars & trucks in my life. I suggest you practice first on a variety of test parts. I try to hit all the hard to reach spots first then work my way from the top down inside to the out. You don't want to lean into a fender you just painted to get to the hood... Many body shops have extra paint / leftovers that you might be able to get for free or very little $$ to learn with. Body work, surface prep & attention to detail is what separates a good paint job from one that is not so good. You might what to practice on a few things that won't matter much first, car rims, shop fridge etc. Blending paint is an art. It is not as simple as a complete paint job. Good luck.
I've always heard that Maaco is good at painting, but it's their PREP that stinks. So, if you're good at doing the body work on your own, have Maaco shoot it for $800....(or the current special) I saw a mid-70's Lincoln that was painted by them, for $1200, and it looked darn nice!
1) Find an automotive paint store that sells automotive paint supplies as their main business, if they sell car parts, they may not give you the best info on all the aspects to doing the job. 2) Matching paint to existing paint is usually provided for an additional fee. Remember, if your paint is old and faded, there is no magic additive that will make the paint aged. If repainting the whole car, the paint code is on a tag most likely on the firewall. The new paint will more than likely look fresher than the old, but that is why you want to paint it in the first place. 3) I have walked many of my customers through painting their own cars. Some have produced show car paint jobs, and some not so much. It really depends on the individual. Some paints are more user friendly than others. Solid colors are easier than pearls and metallics. Prices will vary between different qualities of paints. I could go on and on. My philosophy on painting one's own car is this, keep it simple for your first time out or you will lose your ambition to get it finished. You can pay alot of money to a professional shop and you may still find flaws that bother you when its all done, or do it yourself and have more pride in it when its done with your own hands. Either way, it will take time, money and alot of patience, but it can be done.
