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. Spray off any sanded away residue, then buff it to a shine. If the earlier coats when on with great smoothness, you may not even need the extra sanding. Next, apply at least a couple more coats for a nice, rich look. Let the final 2-3 coats dry, sand with the 800-grit (or higher) and spray off the residue.
Presto! How does it feel to be done?
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. For $ 75, “The Poor Man’s Paint Job” is more than worth it, considering how exciting your car looks. Some individuals who have tried this claim the paint strips after a year to 18 months, but numerous 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. For the money, “The Poor Man’s Paint Job” is nevertheless a good deal.
Find more info here:
Instructables.com
instructables.com/id/The-Poor-Mans-Paint-Job-or…-How-to-paint-your-c/
