Many auto body shops and repair shops can repaint your vehicle. However, they will charge you a lot for the service. If you want your car to have a sleek new look but don't want to be penniless, painting it yourself might be a good option. Doing so will require a little knowledge of the different types of auto paint and mixing methods. However, once you get the basics down, applying a neat coat of paint won't seem like such a difficult task.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Get the Right Tools
Step 1. Buy a paint mixing bucket or glass
It's worth buying a container made specifically for mixing car paint. These containers will not only withstand the repetitive use of harsh chemicals, but will also come with side markings, which will be invaluable when measuring paint.
Step 2. Choose single-stage paint for a quick and inexpensive option
Choosing the paint to work with is more than just choosing a nice color. Different types of paint are used for different jobs. Single-stage paints are those that are used independently without an additional primer or topcoat. A good comparison is nail polish. You can apply as many layers as you want without needing anything else.
First stage paints are recommended for basic colors such as red, blue or yellow. They turn into a lustrous finish and are easy to prepare, so they're perfect for novice painters. However, they are used very little to cover the entire car
Step 3. Choose a two-stage painting method for a longer lasting result
Two-stage paints, base coats or clear coats, will involve at least two coats (a base coat, a clear coat). The base coat provides the color, while the clear coat provides additional protection against scratches and the elements.
A two-stage method tends to produce a more metallic finish. If this, along with the added protection, you like, opt for a layer of compound
Step 4. Be consistent when mixing the paint
Whichever paint you choose, be careful not to vary the types or brands of paint, as it can create an uneven result. If you don't know which type of paint or method is best for your vehicle, check your owner's manual or a local car dealer to find out.
Step 5. Find technical information about the painting
When mixing the paint, you should know the additional materials required, as well as the safety precautions to take into consideration. However, this information is not difficult to find. Just inspect the side of the can.
- If the technical information specifies the use of paint thinner or paint hardener, you will also need to purchase that.
- In the unlikely event that this information is not printed on the can. Go to the manufacturer's website or contact the retail store where you purchased the paint.
Method 2 of 3: Mixing Single Stage Paints
Step 1. Gather the paint and other required supplies
Single phase painting will generally require the mixing of three basic substances.
- The paint alone will determine the color of the mix.
- 'The' reducer 'or' solvent 'serves to thin the paint avoiding solid lumps or' orange peel 'in the coat.
- 'The' hardener 'will allow the paint to dry to give it a suitable finish.
Step 2. Pour the materials into a mixing bowl
The technical information will inform you about the proportion of the materials you will need, written in series of 3 numbers. For example, a standard mix ratio for single stage paints is 8, 1, and 1. That is, for every 8 parts of paint, add one part solvent and one part hardener.
If you are using a glass to mix paint, there will be fractions that correspond to this ratio. Therefore, you may need to fill the cup with paint to level 8, use a paint thinner to get to level 9, and fill it to level 10 with hardener
Step 3. Stir the paint well
You can buy stirring rods at any commercial store. Otherwise, all you have to do is use a piece of wood or an old tool to stir the mixture. Do it meticulously to create the proper consistency.
What you use to mix the paint will be ruined, so pick something you don't mind losing
Step 4. Test the paint with a paint spray gun
Add a small amount of paint to the gun and have a disposable surface ready to check the suitability of the freshly mixed paint.
- If the paint doesn't flow well from the gun, add more thinner to increase the flow.
- If after you've sprayed the surface, you find that the paint is running or has trouble drying, this indicates that you will need more hardener.
Method 3 of 3: Mix Second Stage Paints
Step 1. Gather different types of paints and their additional supplies
You will need to join the base coat of paint and the clear coat with an additional substance.
- The base coat is combined with a reducer or solvent to ensure the best viscosity.
- You should combine the clear coat with a hardener before applying it to the surface of the car.
Step 2. Combine the materials in a mixing container
Consult the technical information you consulted above to determine the proportions for each layer.
- The ratio of base coat to reducer will always be 1 to 1. Therefore, the container, preferably a mixing bucket, should be half paint and half solvent.
- The clear coat will be slightly trickier. Depending on the brand, the ratio of clear coat to hardener will generally be 4 to 1 or 2 to 1.
Step 3. Mix the compounds well
Stir the contents until smooth with a stirring rod or similar tool. Don't worry about getting the exact consistency the first time, you'll have a chance to check the texture before painting the car and stir more if necessary.
Step 4. Test by spraying a coat onto a safe surface
Put a small sample of both coats in the spray gun and apply something unnecessary, a wooden board or a piece of old equipment will be better. You should check the viscosity of the base coat as it will contribute more to the color of the vehicle. Although the clear coat is colorless, it produces the coveted luster or shine. Both products should flow out of the gun smoothly.