(Recently sold my 2000 NB Miata and picked up this LS400)

Does anybody have a satin black paint job on their LS400/Miata/Honda/etc? If so was it a DIY job or did you have it done at a body shop? Any body/paint gurus out there who can shed some light on how to go about this properly so the finish comes out looking good and lasting in the elements?

Now I understand there is a lot of forgiveness with satin and flat paint...heck I have seen some rattle can jobs on others cars (typically American muscle/hot rods and the occasional import) come out very nice. No blochiness, uniform coverage, etc.

I was thinking of having a body shop shoot the car for me with a paint gun vs me attempting to do it myself....it will not come out good I can tell you that. I hear conflicting input from different shops, some say they use black paint and then add a flattening agent to the clear. Others say they use black epoxy paint and no clear. Some say they will use gloss black and a flat clear.

I would just like to know which is the right way to go about doing this. I posted my car above and while the paint looks good in the photo...its unfortunately seen better days. The doors aren't so bad but the hood/roof/trunk/bumpers are scratched to hell and back. Spots from where bird poop etched the paint, etc. I am very meticulous with my paint and this being my 3rd black car, it pains me to see her not looking her best.

Plus I always wanted a satin black finish and feel the LS400's masculine looks/big body sedan with angular shape will look beastly with a satin black paint. Such a mean/sinister/gangster look in my opinion.

I wont need my door jams/engine bay/trunk/etc. painted...just the exterior.

 

LS400 Always reminds me of the chineese in romeo must die from like 1996. But to have a correct flat or satin finish you need to have it done by someone who is very good at painting. Why spray paint it? That crap looks tacky and will make your car look like ****... It is a poormans paint job anyways, but flat or satin is something you have to get right the first time.. you cant cutt and buff it... I would try to claybar and polish your car first and try and take out the imperfections.