Spray painting your car is a great way to give it a new look after an accident or it's time to give the car an updated, fresh look. However, spray painting is a complicated task that you shouldn't handle all by yourself. Otherwise, you'll likely make some rookie mistakes, such as using the wrong paint. So, it is best to ask for assistance from a professional spray painter. The following are some steps professionals follow when spray painting to achieve a quality finish.
1. Prepare the Spray Area
Preparing the surface for spray painting should be the first step before anything else. Different surfaces require varying grits of sandpaper. So, the sandpaper you will use on a car is not the same as the one you use on wood. Generally, you will need low grit sandpaper to clear off scratches and level the car's surface. It is also vital to take the time to learn various sanding procedures. That's because more time spent preparing the surface reduces the stress of spray painting it. If you don't know the suitable sanding methods, hire a professional to ensure you get the best results.
2. Use Tape or Remove the Components
It is vital to detach the components you need to spray first before you start spray painting. However, it is advisable to do this only with the assistance of a professional sprayer. If you're spraying just one door or the bumper, you will need to dislodge it to protect the other parts. Alternatively, you can tape the surrounding areas. However, the tape you use should not affect the car's current paint.
3. Use Multiple Layers
After the sanding process, it is time to take your spray can. Hold the can a few inches from the vehicle's surface and press the nozzle. Ensure you use gentle strokes on the surface starting from the back towards the left side, and avoid stopping when you miss a spot. Finish up first, then cover it on the second round. Using one thick layer is for the lazy and doesn't offer as attractive results as multiple coats. Luckily, you don't have to worry about this mistake when you have a professional by your side.
4. Give Each Coat Some Time
It is essential to allow some drying time between each coat. After applying the first layer, give it about 20 minutes to dry before applying a second coat. When done with the coating, you will have to sand it down before applying a primer. The recommended drying time between each primer coat is 24 hours.
Keep the tips above in mind before spray painting your vehicle. If you are not confident with the process, hire professionals to ensure you achieve quality results.
