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How to Custom Paint a Car
How to custom paint a car is a bit more detailed than just giving your car a new coat of paint. You have a lot more options available as you can choose custom car paint colors and apply designs and graphics if you want to do so. The main steps to painting the car are the same as giving your car a new paint job, though the finishing steps are where you can get really creative. Custom auto paint makes it possible to turn your car into a masterpiece.
Materials & Tools:
- Paint Stripper
- Varying Grades of Sandpaper
- Personal Protection Equipment
- Paint Sprayer
- Masking Tape
- Newspaper
- Water
- Paint Primer
- Sealer
- Colored Paints
- Stencils
- Polish
- Wax
Step 1 – Car Prep
You will need to prepare your car for its new custom paint job. This means removing all of the old paint. I recommended using chemical paint strippers, but you can also sand the paint layers off. Once the paint is all off and you are down to the metal, you want to wash off any dirt and debris and then sand the car so that it is smooth. Apply masking tape or newspaper to the trim and windows or anything you do not want paint on.
Step 2 – The First Coat
The first coat of paint is not actually color, but the primer. A primer layer is necessary, as it provides additional protection to the car, and gives the next coat of paint something to stick too. Most primers are also anti-corrosive so you will notice a lot less rust. Once several coats of the primer have been applied, sand down this layer. You want to use wet sandpaper and just get rid of any uneven surfaces or bumps. You can apply a sealer over the primer if you want to, but it is not necessary.
Step 3 – The Color Coat
Choose your custom auto body color and paint this layer over the car. A paint sprayer will provide the most even coverage, as you want to apply each paint coat in light layers. You first want to apply this base color coat over the entire car. Once you have a minimum of about 7 to 8 coats you can start adding the details. To make the car look fantastic, you want to sand between coats. Use very fine grained sandpaper and keep a constant stream of water over the area you are sanding.
Step 4 – Stencils and Other Designs
If you are doing your car in two tones then you will need to cover up the area you want to remain the body color, and begin adding layers of the new color to the uncovered section. You can also apply a stencil and spray on the new colors. Be aware that free-hand drawing will be difficult for those without experience. You can practice your drawing beforehand using the paint sprayer until you are satisfied.
Step 5 – A Few Tips
It is best to start at the highest spot when painting and work your way down. If you choose to use metallic custom auto paint then you will need to apply the paint in alternate horizontal and vertical patterns. This makes the paint very shiny. You want to sand after each of the coats in the same direction as you are spraying. It is best to start with 600-grit sandpaper and work your way up to 1,000. Polishing the paint before waxing can really make a difference if you are looking for a show quality paint job.
