Painting your car is a DIY project some will readily undertake, but others stay away from as a result of perceived cost and difficulty of the work. Such expensive things as a spray gun, air compressor and a host of various paints and other chemicals are part of the laundry list of expenses. But what if there were an additional way? A cheaper way? A thrifty way?
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. The technique uses Rustoleum paint and high-density foam brushes. Sanding is kept to a minimum. Keep in mind that it is not a job for a lazy person, though. There are no guarantees here, so proceed at your own risk. It did work for Stylus, a fact borne out by photos on Instructables Workshop.
Get this together
Here are estimates for the necessary items. Your needs may vary. These instructions are for an average-sized sedan, so a truck or larger SUV will require 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. Take off anything that detaches that doesn’t require paint. Now you are ready to sand the car. If the old paint is chipped, use a spray primer over the spots. 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 first so it’s half paint and half mineral spirits. The consistency will be as milk. It is advisable to apply coats methodically in a very same order so you won’t miss anything. Start high and work down. Allowing one area to dry when edges are undone will create unsightly paint lines.
Go slow and stick with one direction
Plan your attack, get paint within the tray and get going. Big brushes are great for big parts, and the smaller ones are ideal for little segments. Lay the paint on thick in an area, and then spread it around to cover and create a base. Slowly glide the brush along, always making sure to stroke in the same direction. Be certain to watch for drips and sags. Little ones could be brushed over. Larger gaffs may require that you break out the sandpaper and start the process again. Three coats should do it, with six to 12 hours of drying time after each coat. Undiluted Rustoleum is advertised as a 24-hour dry. Diluted here, assume about half that time frame or better.
Sand, sand and coat
primer coats are finished drying, wet-sand the car with the 600-grit sandpaper to smooth the way for the final coats. Take care of the residue with a hose, then buff. If the earlier coats when on with great smoothness, you may not even need the extra sanding. Now you’re ready for the final coats for that rich appearance. Dry appropriately, sand (this time with at least 800-grit) and spray.
Presto! How does it feel to be done?
Wait at least a full day before washing or waxing your newly painted car. Some brush strokes may be visible, but in Styluss’s case, these were hard to see. For $ 75, nevertheless, “The Poor Man’s Paint Job” is well worth it for the vibrant new sense of style it brings your car. It is possible the job will only last a year, but consider that you didn’t pay much for this makeover. If you need to spend more money, strip the Rustoleum off and go to a professional. “The Poor Man’s Paint Job” technique will conserve you money and produce reasonable results.
More information about this topic at these websites:
Instructables.com
instructables.com/id/The-Poor-Mans-Paint-Job-or…-How-to-paint-your-c/
