Painting your car is a nice DIY project that can be done at home, but many people tend to stay away from it because of excessive cost and also the degree of prep-work involved. Getting a spray gun, air compressor and also the right clear coat, primer spray, buffing compound, anti-rust solution and many more things are all things that a serious DIY car enthusiast will list to do the job well. But have you considered the alternative? A less expensive alternative? A thrifty way?
Painting your car – for only $ 75
According to Styluss at Instructables Workshop, there is a way to undertake painting your car via “The Poor Man’s Paint Job” technique. There’s that amazing price tag of $ 75. The technique uses Rustoleum paint and high-density foam brushes. There’s minimal sanding required. Keep in mind that it is not a job for a lazy person, though. Results are by no means guaranteed, and the procedure should be undertaken at your own risk. However, the results for Styluss were highly satisfactory; look into the photos at the Instructables Workshop link below for proof.
The gear to do the job
What follows are estimates. Your vehicle’s 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 intended for wet use (600- and 800-grit) = $9.50
1 roll of painter’s tape = $5.84
Total: $74.74
Get ready to go
A large place to work is essential. Next, wash the car. Anything that could be removed from the car (headlights, tail lights, mirrors, trim, etc.) should be removed. Now you are ready to sand the car. If you will find spots where the old paint has chipped off, hit it with the spray primer. A well-sanded surface ensures that paint will go on evenly. Apply painter’s tape and mask off the windows and other areas you do not want painted.
Now painting your car can commence
Mix the paint first so it’s half paint and half mineral spirits. The consistency can be as milk. A wise idea is to apply the coats within the exact same order so you won’t double up. 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
Once you have decided upon your method, pour some paint mix into a paint tray and get to work. Four-inch brushes are good for large areas, while the smaller two-inch is better for fine detail. Lay the paint on thick in an area, and then spread it around to cover and create a base. Brush slowly and within the very same direction. Be certain to look at for drips and sags. If they’re minor, just brush over them. Big ones may require re-sanding and re-starting. 3 starter coats should work, where each is allowed to dry from six to 12 hours. Undiluted Rustoleum takes a day to dry on a house or deck. With the mineral spirits, cut that time in half.
Sand to smooth for more coats
After the 3 coats of paint have dried, soak the 600-grit sandpaper in water and sand until you get that surface. 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 additional 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.
You’re done! How does it look?
Wait at least a full day before washing or waxing your newly painted car. When it’s true that some brush strokes may show up on close inspection, these will be quite minor if you were careful. ”The Poor Man’s Paint Job” is an excellent deal for $ 75, as it gives new life to your car. Some people who have tried this claim the paint strips after a year to 18 months, but many others have gotten real life out of this thrifty makeover. If you are of a mind and want to spend more money, you’ll have to strip the Rustoleum off first. For the money, “The Poor Man’s Paint Job” is still a good deal.
Discover more information:
Instructables.com
instructables.com/id/The-Poor-Mans-Paint-Job-or…-How-to-paint-your-c/
