Car spray paint is usually something best left to the experts, as doing it wrong can lead to several issues. From reducing corrosion protection to obvious paint imperfections, a DIY job can hurt your car’s resale value.
However, sometimes it’s worth trying your hand at car spray paint, especially when the vehicle is older or has a low resale value. Or maybe you just enjoy the challenge. Whatever your reason, here’s how to achieve a high-quality finish using automotive spray paint and aerosol products.
Step 1: Choose a Good Space to Paint
Painting your car outside might seem easy, but it’s likely to cause more problems than solutions. The slightest breeze can cause spray drift, and insects or dust can ruin your fresh paint. If it rains, you’ll be in trouble, as water on wet paint can create significant damage, requiring you to sand it all down again.
If you don’t have a garage or workshop with enough space to work around the car, consider getting a portable garage. You can find them on Amazon, and they’re relatively inexpensive. A few hundred pounds gets you a setup that protects the car while you paint.
Step 2: Prepare the Surface
Surface prep is critical to achieving a professional finish. If you’re fixing up corroded or damaged bodywork, you’ve probably done a lot of preparation already, such as welding or using fibreglass mesh. If not, don’t skip this step!
Here’s how to get your surface ready:
- Remove rust and apply a neutralizer to prevent it from returning.
- Mix and apply epoxy filler for damaged areas. Make sure the proportions are correct.
- Spray primer filler where damage is shallow, then sand it down to a smooth finish.
- Sand in stages, moving from coarse grit to fine sandpaper. Avoid skipping steps to prevent sanding marks from showing later.
- Scuff sand the surrounding paintwork to help the new paint adhere properly.
- Use a guide coat of paint or a dry guide coat to show where more sanding or filling is needed.
- Clean and degrease the area to remove dust and oil before painting.
Step 3: Mask Everything Else
Once you’re ready to paint, you’ll need to mask areas like windows, lights, and wheels to protect them from overspray. For crisp lines and clean edges, use high-quality masking tape. It prevents paint creep and comes off cleanly once you’re finished. Cover larger areas with plastic or paper sheets, using cheaper tape where precision isn’t critical.
Step 4: Stay Safe with Proper PPE
Paints, primers, and lacquers all contain harmful chemicals. Even if it’s a small repair, don’t take risks. Use goggles, gloves, and a mask to protect your eyes, skin, and lungs. Your health is just as important as the final result.
Step 5: Choosing the Right Car Spray Paint Method
Achieving professional results with a basic aerosol spray can be tough, but if a compressor and spray gun aren’t within your budget, choose high-quality aerosols used by professionals. ProXL clear coat aerosols, for example, offer more control with their Vari-Nozzle, and 2K aerosols are also great, combining the durability of professional two-pack systems with the convenience of a spray can.
Step 6: Perfect Your Technique
Watch some YouTube videos to get familiar with proper spray techniques, then practice on scrap cardboard or an old car panel. Confidence is key.
When spraying your car, be methodical. Avoid trying to cover everything in one go. Instead, spray thin, even layers and allow them to dry between passes. If you encounter issues like runs or sags, let the paint dry fully, sand it down, and try again.
Hold the spray can about 8 inches (20 cm) away from the surface and apply the paint with horizontal strokes, followed by vertical ones.
Step 7: Clear Coat for the Final Touch
After applying your base color, let it dry thoroughly before moving on to the clear coat. The clear lacquer adds gloss and protects the paint from scratches and UV damage. Apply 2-4 coats of lacquer, sanding lightly between each one to remove any imperfections.
Once the final coat has dried, give it a light rub with very fine sandpaper to ensure a smooth, flawless finish.