Paintwork is the first thing people notice when they see a car, as it can make or break its look.
Car respraying is becoming popular among many car owners; however, some misconceptions should be cleared.
Whether you want to restore the look of your classic car or enhance its appearance, you must know some things before you take the step.
Can You Repaint Your Car Yourself?
The simple answer is yes, but remember that spray cans or some other DIY trick would not do it. Not to mention, it would not only be expensive to buy dozens of spray cans, and you would be inhaling a lot of toxic fumes simultaneously. For this reason, one should always seek professional help instead of spraying themselves.
However, if you choose to spray your vehicle, you will need these materials and supplies:
- Sanding Pads, a Power Sander, and 1200- and 2000-grit Sandpaper
- An Air Compressor and Paint Sprayer
- A Primer and Cleaning Solvent
- Newspaper and Masking Tape
- Enamel, Polyurethane, or Acrylic Enamel Paint
- Paint Thinner
- A Face Mask and Safety Glasses
- Clear Coat Lacquers
- Undercoat/primer
- A Rag and Denatured Alcohol or Mineral Spirits
What are the Steps for Respraying a Car?
First, the whole process depends on what kind of finish you want and how much you want to spend on the vehicle.
It can be said that there is no correct answer because some people go for a complete makeover, and some consider a quick once-over. Usually, the process goes to stripping the existing paint back to the metal and removing all the dirt and debris.
Steps for respraying include:
- Trims, handles, door mirrors and lights are stripped from the car.
- If there is any dirt or dent, it is fixed.
- In dents, fillers are applied and then sanded to shape them properly.
- On top of the filler, primer is applied, allowing the paint to stick.
- Then, the paint is applied to whatever finish you want.
- The fresh paint is rubbed with soft sandpaper to remove dirt.
- Lastly, the car is polished.
How Much Does Respraying a Car Cost?
The cost and total budget will totally depend on the paint and finish you want. You can discuss the needs with the body shop to an estimated price and go for the most budget-friendly way.
How Long Does It Take to Do a Full Respray?
As mentioned earlier, respraying can vary from person to person. There is no single way to complete a respray, and it completely comes down to what you want to achieve with it.
As the car is stripped down to the metal and several procedures are done before applying fresh paint, it can take more than 200 hours of labour.
On the other hand, if you have a new car, new paint can easily stick to the existing one, which makes the process easier, quicker and cheaper.
Is It Necessary to Hire a Specialist or Can Anyone Paint a Car?
Though everyone can paint a car, the level and skills surely matter, it is just like painting a portrait. Professional painters are skilled and undergo lots of training throughout the years. Therefore, they not only understand how to paint a car, but they also do with keeping safety and health precautions in mind.
What are the Advantages Involved in Getting Your Car Sprayed?
Ever thought of getting rid of your car, but its paint is all damaged due to an accident or bad weather? But before you give it away, consider repainting it, as it involves numerous benefits.
-
Increase Resale Value
Compared to a faded-painted car, a freshly-painted car will sell for a higher price. You can go for auto painting; it will be a cost-effective solution. And as it will give your car a new look, you can easily get a huge profit.
-
Prevent Rust and Corrosion
When the metal is exposed, corrosion happens. Another reason could be that the metal is exposed to water, and if you live in areas where it rains frequently, the rust will proliferate. Therefore, get your car painted to prevent it from getting rust.
-
Sun Damage
If your car is exposed to sun, rain and UV rays a lot, its paint will likely fade with time. To restore its condition, try repainting it.
-
Repair Marks and Scratches
Scratches and marks also lead to rust and corrosion; therefore, it is beneficial to get your car repainted. This will give your car a new and scratchless look.
