The Paint Thread...

[deckeda]

Similar question, asked another way:

OK, if prep work is most of the battle, and yet it's something we can do at home, approx. how much would we save (percentage-wise) by doing that ourselves and then taking the car to get sprayed?

If it's labor that costs so much when having a shop do everything, it seems ironic that we'd still need to take the car for the final (i.e. "smallest") step of applying paint. If I understand things correctly. Just babbling out loud here ... in need of a nap ...

[JDHondaprelude]

The car was block sanded numerous times then applied a black guide coat and then block sanded that to catch any dips or low spots. This door was completely flat or atleast as flat as we knew how to get it. If sitting in the garage with the ac blowing and its say around 70 degrees you can see absolutely no sign of the door handle. But say sitting at an autocross event waiting for our turn out in the high heat of summer with a temp of about 93-98 its as if the car expands because a little outline in the exact shape of the door handle appears. And the bondo is feathered out way farther and in no specific shape. So yea im not really sure what exactly is the cause of all this but i know that it was perfectly flat before paint and clear. After the car is back in the garage and cooled down the lines are gone. I think next time we paint were going to use flex on everything just in case. Its only an additive and t doesnt cost that much and well worth it if it works.

As far as getting started we bought a painting book for advanced auto parts and i read it but i didnt really use any of the information but it does let you know the order of thing I suppose. I think that probably the best thing to start on for body work and all that is find a beater and give it a new paintjob. Nothing special even just priming it would be a good experience. As soon as you start it will usually just come to you. Anything is possible with bondo and fiberglass. I think the hardest part is coming up with an original idea or an uncommon idea. Then after that just start small and pretty soon you'll be knee deep in bondo and covered in dust.
Some people think its easier to paint pieces of the car seperate but i would rather have the car put together or atleast as much as possible.

But I dont think we'll be doing that much bodywork on our next project or the one after that . Bodywork is extremely draining.

[sirs1ayer]

nice thread makes me want to paint the car.
but i would need to practice.

[Laguna7]

Wow, Haven't checked this in awhile.... Nice to see everyone getting along....

[devilblue14]

Awesome thread. As you all can see in my sig, my 90 is in need of a paint job. Thanks for all of the info. It will come in handy soon.

[Ilikebigbutts]

ok guys, we painted the car but we have a small prblem lol.the thing is, we sprayed three coats of clear, and the whole time something just didnt seem right.Even though the clear is shiny, my refekction is kinda dull.I tried wetsadning a small arear with 2000 grit but it just got scuffed up.I think we sparyed to much clear on.I need to get some pics up tomorow so you can see what i'm talking about.what should i do?wet sand the whokle thing with 2000 and then buff it?need advice...

ILBB

[maroonaccord2.2]

ok guys, we painted the car but we have a small prblem lol.the thing is, we sprayed three coats of clear, and the whole time something just didnt seem right.Even though the clear is shiny, my refekction is kinda dull.I tried wetsadning a small arear with 2000 grit but it just got scuffed up.I think we sparyed to much clear on.I need to get some pics up tomorow so you can see what i'm talking about.what should i do?wet sand the whokle thing with 2000 and then buff it?need advice...

ILBB

Well, you could have an overspray issue, or a low-temp issue perhaps. How warm was it when you painted? Did you use a booth?

2000 grit wet-sand will scuff the clear, it's purpose is to remove the high spots or "orange peel" after the clear is dry and HARD. You would still need to use rubbing compounds, then wax the clear to get the desired sheen.

Do you have pics yet?

[marianeeli]

hi Laguna7,
I am marianeeli.I am new member to this forum.
I love all latest cars.I have my camero.You started this post well.Your post will be worthy and usefull.

[meeker7148]

Very helpful thred, i will def. use this info when im getting close to painting my car.

[marianeeli]

Hi Laguna7,

Very great Information.You have written in Question answer style.That is really super.You have done a good job.

[champagneaccord]

Can anyone paint a car if somebody doesn't have the tools, wanted mine black for a while for under 1 grand...possible, i'm in illinois..

[hondaguy]

does honda have any factory pearlesant or matalic paints

[hondaguy]

grindn

just recently my 93 accord has started grinding in 5th gear can any one help me figure out what is causing this?

[j2g87]

nice

[Noxidea]

just recently my 93 accord has started grinding in 5th gear can any one help me figure out what is causing this?

Ok im confused , this is the paint thread right ?
Umm you might need to adjust your clutch engagement but post this in a tech thread or something this is a paint thread man , hope u get more help than I am capable of giving ....

Anyways I got a nice paint job check the Bridgewater Mass meet people cant beleive its a .....Maaco Special ...... LOL