What all do I need to paint my car?

Question

I want to paint my car Arctic White. What all do I need paint wise? A urethane basecoat and a clearcoat? Is there anything else I need? What order do I paint in? How do I mix the paint? And where can I get a quality paint for a reasonible price.

Please no answers suggesting I should just take the car to a shop and have them do it. We have no Maaco and the only shop charges way way to much. Thanks!

Answer 1

Shops charge that much for a reason. There's a lot of prep work in getting the body panels sanded and straight (I don't care what you drive, it's not perfectly straight, and will look like c**p once it has shiny new paint on it). Also, a lot of the cost is all of the supplies it takes. Primer, paint, and clearcoat are very expensive, plus you'll have to buy masking tape, paper, sand paper (several different grits), a few different sanding blocks(flat surfaces will be very wavy if you try to sand them by hand), and a lot more. Also, you will have to buy the sprayer, air compressor, paint booth (to keep the dust and bugs out. even with a booth, some still gets on there most of the time and must be wet-sanded and buffed to get it out), and breather. To buy all of the equipment alone you'll need to do it WILL cost more than having it done. Having the color of a car is VERY expensive and takes a TON of labor. Sorry, but that's just reality.

Answer 2

you need a pro to do it, if you arent going to do it right then you shouldnt do it at all, trust me you will make it worse,  you get what you pay for, my best friend does this for a living and you are going to make more work for the next pro to do it right, trust me on this if you arent going to do it right then dont do it at all.  its more expensive doing it twice.

Answer 3

Here is a list of all of the items you will need when attempting to paint your vehicle:::

Masking Tape

Tarp, paper or other covering

Car washing detergent and brush

Wax/Grease remover

Sandpaper (fine and thick grit)

Primer (amount depending on the vehicle size and the area size that will be painted)



Paint Urethane-based

Paint Sprayer

Dust mask, goggles, and clothing to cover your exposed skin

Putty and knife

If you have any question on how to use or apply these tools just ask.

~Matt