Tips for first time painters
 

Have some experience with painting have a project car and wanna see how it comes out. Ek hatch. I have the gun and compressor and all that, I just wanna know how much primer clear coat and base coat I'm going to need, and reducer hardener thinner etc. and what goes in what.
Is it hard to paint a car and have it come out good with right supplies patience and proper sanding?

Re: Tips for first time painters
 

Are you doing a complete color change or just the outside? Youre going to have to pick your products and read the data sheets that accompany each product to know what you need with it, or just ask the person at the paint shop. Primer I use is 4:1 primer to catalyst. Basecoat is used with different reducers based on temperature, you can reduce down to 1:1. Clearcoat will depend, some are just 4:1 with hardner, some people reduce their clear also slightly. Like I said, best advice is to pick the brain of the person at the paint shop, based on which brand youll be using.

Prep work really is the key. You can use the most expensive products out there, and the most expensive paint gun, but if your prep work sucked, your paint job is gonna look like ass. Be sure to get a good mask, clean the area very well so theres no dust.

Re: Tips for first time painters
 

there is a good video on youtube on prepping and painting by mcqueenpaint "how to paint your car" in your own garage in 2 weekends or something.

there are 10 videos on doing it.

Re: Tips for first time painters
 

Yes changing colors.

Re: Tips for first time painters
 

Go to a body shop and ask to watch. It's all well and good to read about but being able to study and see how a gun is held and how to mix and set a spray pattern and overlap and how to properly block and feather is the best way to learn.

Re: Tips for first time painters
 

Do certain reducers and hardeners need to be used with certain paint?

Re: Tips for first time painters
 

If you are asking this, you probably should not be painting a car.

Yes, each paint has a paint or line specific reducer and activator. "Universal" activators are not to be trusted, unless stated by the manufacturer (I can think of a few paint systems with a single activator and reducer that work in primer, base and clear.)

Re: Tips for first time painters
 

Thats why its best to either research online with what brands you want to use, most companies have their tech sheets online, or talk to the people at the paint shop. They'll make sure you get the correct products for what youre doing.

For example https://buyat.ppg.com/refinishProduc...d-1c74b1ad308f

If you click on the "tech info" it will bring up a pdf that shows you what products its compatible with, and what reducers you need to use. I used that page, because thats normally the paint I use, but you get the idea of what to look for. If you surf around on there a little, youll see clear coats, primers, etc and you can see what is needed. Hope that helps

Re: Tips for first time painters
 

https://honda-tech.com/forums/paint-body-84/everything-you-need-know-about-autobody-repair-1962364/

You should read this whole thread and watch a few videos on YouTube...
Then just go for it... If you have painted before (rattle can doesnt count) then you should be fine...
Start off with door jambs...

Re: Tips for first time painters
 

My friend who owns a paint shop is doing all the mixing and stuff, I was just curious. But thanks for all the input

Re: Tips for first time painters
 

he will be mixing the base, but not to the activated stages because pot life of activated paint is ~4h.

Read the threads and take the advice.

Re: Tips for first time painters
 

good luck with the project

Re: Tips for first time painters
 

heres a tip...

use the search button

Re: Tips for first time painters
 

Man, I keep forgetting about YouTube as a resource. Thanks for tips!


Steve