Automotive Painting Tips

We all love our cars. Giving away your car for scrap is one of the most heart-breaking things to do. Sure, she may not be as beautiful as she was before.. but still, even as you contemplate giving her away, your heart is filled with memories, good and bad, of all the times you've had with her. So she has a couple of wrinkles now. Is that a good enough reason to give her away? NO!

Because you do have a much better alternative to that heart-wrenching experience. Why not give your car a much needed makeover instead? Yes? Then, automotive painting is the thing for you! By simply spending a little time, and even less money (as compared to buying a new car), you can simply do a little cover-up job on those blemishes and give her a look as good as new!

Automotive Painting

So how can you go about automotive painting?

Well, firstly, you have to assess the extent of damage to your car. Sometimes, a simple car-finish product can help in getting rid of that dirty chalky color (caused by oxidation) and minor scratches. In case that does not prove sufficient, you can procure a do-it-yourself spot repair. This spot repair is available in a multitude of colors, and you can easily find one that best suits your car.

But in case your car needs a total face-lift, here's what you do:

What you're going to need is a spray gun, automotive painting colors of your choice, a rust inhibitor, sand paper and auto primer.

Tips for Automotive Painting

First, the most essential step is to remove all the traces of old car paint and rust off your car. This is very important as unless the rust is removed, the rust marks will remain on the body, despite the new paint. The rust can be removed using epoxy primer or simply scrubbing a sand-paper over the rust. Make sure you've completely removed the rust before you proceed to the next step.

Secondly, apply the primer and the liquid rust inhibitor to the surface of your car. The liquid rust inhibitor will slow down the oxidation process on your car, thus minimizing the chances of reappearance of rust. The primer is used to prepare the auto surface for painting.

Thirdly, if the car requires any body work, such as straightening or replacing a broken/loose panel, that should be done before applying the primer to the surface.

Fourthly, choose the automotive painting color of your choice from the automotive painting charts available, and load your spray gun. Make sure that your spray gun is in working condition. Also ensure that you are wearing a protective mask. Spray painting can bring you in contact with hazardous chemicals and therefore it is very important that you wear a breathing mask. Make sure the paint is sprayed evenly across the surface of your car. The paint will take a few hours to dry depending upon the spray gun, the color and the temperature.

The last and very important step is to admire the beauty of your new car!

Spray painting is now very much a do-it-yourself technique. There is no reason to lug your car to a repair person and pay a hefty sum of money for something that can so easily be done at home on a Sunday. So go on! Give your loved one a makeover. After all, she's worth it!!