General Paint and Body Questions

Joe73 wrote:Basically, single stage is a little easier since you can get the job done with less applications.  If you want metallic paint, then you have to go 2 stage (basecoat/clearcoat).  Because if you shoot metallic in single stage, when you go to buff it, you will be buffing the metal flakes and you'll get a speckle like appearance.  With metallics you want to buff the clear not the color.
With single stage its just color.  So shoot, let it set up the required time then sand and buff to your liking.  
Some guys do clear over a single stage paint if you want to go with a higher gloss clear.  Clears come in a variety of qualities and gloss factors.

driveit wrote:I want to paint mine, but I need it done cheap for now.  Once I get in a better spot and get a garage I am doing a full frame off and will worry about doing something nice and fixing everything the right way.

Oldschool454 wrote:Every one of us here are just doing the best with what rescources we have. Time, money, space, energy...Hell, if you have to just paint it outside. I've seen it done, and done well to be honest. And when I say "done well" I know people are thinking,"what's his idea of well?" I know I don't have the same high standards as some people on here with $2000plus, show ready, 10 mile deep paint jobs but take it for whatever it's worth to you I guess. lol

thatfnthing wrote:

Oldschool454 wrote:Every one of us here are just doing the best with what rescources we have. Time, money, space, energy...Hell, if you have to just paint it outside. I've seen it done, and done well to be honest. And when I say "done well" I know people are thinking,"what's his idea of well?" I know I don't have the same high standards as some people on here with $2000plus, show ready, 10 mile deep paint jobs but take it for whatever it's worth to you I guess. lol

Dude, where are you that you can get a show ready, 10 mile deep paint job for $2000.00?  'Cuz sign me up!  The quote I got to do my car with a simple pearl (outside only, no jambs or insides of the lids) is $3500-$4000, and I thought that was a decent price!

BK-75 wrote:I have done a couple of outdoor driveway paint jobs myself with good success.  Being a former body guy in my younger years (A long time ago) I can honestly say quality jobs are in the prep. No short cuts. Get your panels flat, lots of sanding, primer, sanding, primer, guide coat, sanding, clean and spray sealer.  

Spraying the car is easy with the right technique, compressor/regulator/ gun set up.

I've done many acrylic enamel single stage paint jobs where any surface imperfection can be color sanded and buffed. Most base clears are very forgiving too.

The Rustoleum jobs can look good too short term, but don't offer the UV protection most quality automotive paints have and break down over time.

If you do it yourself, you are already saving money.. Buy the right equipment and quality products.

Most of all, practice first!