so i have been doing a lot of research lately before i do my first paint job.. i have a couple of things im not sure about and i wanna get a full understanding of everything before i even get started. first off which filler do you recommend? i gotta couple dings here and there and i wanna get everything as straight as i can and do not wanna use bondo cause i have heard some bad things about that. and also whats the difference in Polyurethane and Urethane paint and clear? whats Acrylic Enamel, Acrylic Urethane, Acrylic Lacquer? if someone can tell me the difference in that? and which do you recommend and why? what is Thinners & Reducers and what is it used for? which type of primer should i use? Polyester Primers, Lacquer Primers, Epoxy Primers, Urethane Primers? sorry for so many questions i basically wanna know everything before i start buying my supplys i also have read the faq and it does explain a lot of things but some things i dont understand thanks all

 

You obviously haven't been doing as much research as you boast you have. I wouldn't start until you figure this stuff out, as far as filler, I've been using bondo for years and never had a problem as long as its done right, but there's too many noobs that don't know what the f*ck they're doing and it looks like **** and they blame the filler. Poly and AE paints are single stage paints and aren't suggested, use a good base coat clear coat such as dupont, PPG, or if you have no budget use House of Kolors. If you wait and be patient, I am doing a complete write up on this type of work, or you could also rush and jump into it without the research you stated you did and it will look horrible and you'll wonder why. Just my .02 since I hate seeing people F*ck up paint jobs.

 

^Killin them with niceness huh?

To the OP, I recommend you purchase a couple of books and/or videos about the subject. This should give you a little insight. Also, if you purchase your supplies locally at an auto body supply store, they will guide you in the right directions as far as what works with what as well as what works best.

For filler, I recommend Evercoat. I've always had good results with this brand.

Also understand that prep work is a huge factor in how the paint will turn out. Do tons of research on how to properly prep a car including sanding, dent repair, priming, cleaning, etc.

Do some research about cutting, buffing, and polishing as well. I've been doing bodywork for about six years on and off and I'm still learning in this area.

Good luck with your first paint job and remember, you can't learn too much.

 

thanks guys

 

Personally, I don't think that a base/clear is the only way to paint a car. I have done a few single stage jobs that are still doing great 3 years later. Look up the $50 paint job thread. That will give you a good idea of all the ways you can get the job done WELL and for cheap. There are many guys in there that still have the same paint from years ago. My best bit of advise I ever got was to stay at the pace you start with. Too many people start nice and easy, but hurry at the home stretch, and ruin the whole thing. Granted you don't start off at a hurried pace. If you feel that you are in a hurry, then just take a brake, come back when you are fresh again. Speed does not come with quality.

 

^^^ definitely good idea to keep a slow, steady pace! To OP I didn't mean to come off as a dick, I just hate seeing people get all excited about the car turning out great and do not follow the proper steps and end up kicking themselves when it doesn't turn out as expected. I'm just a really big fan of doing it once and doing it right, I hope you'll do a lot more research before trying to attempt this, as its not as easy as it appears due to so many different variables. Again, ill be doing a write up very soon, and I hope you'll check it out!

 

thanks you guys.. i havent even started sanding yet haha my car is like 8 different colors right now and its really turning into an eye sore even with the jdm front end haha but im still tryin to get a full understanding about everything before i even start buying supplys. and im not tryin to go the cheap route with either even tho some single stages do look good and hold up well im looking to go all out on this one even if its my first time im not looking to do it a second time just like you mentioned doing it once and doing it right. slow and steady pace will be all good for me i got nothin but time cause i do have a second car to drive..

soooo im looking to get this paint called Phoenix Yellow Metallic 445 and its off of a 2005 bmw m3.. any suggestions on where to order this? what brand? and do they sell everything in a kit as in primer/base/clear that will all work together?

and again thanks for the advice guys

 

Brands I use are dupont(ehh), PPG(good), and for $$$ and my own car House of Kolors(way too expensive to mess up or use for a first time) I would reccomend checking into different lines of PPG. As far as color, different colors will cost you different prices...for example when I was in school a quart of flamenco black pearl was around 50-60 bucks. A quart of for "Chrome Yellow" that I was painting my camaro was 110 bucks. I have read on here that cars that are phoenix yellow have a pretty high theft rate... I suggest looking at bakertimes thread in this forum and let us know any other questions you have.