You may not be a pro, but there's no reason why you can't paint your car like one. First thing, scope out an area that is ultra clean and dust free if you don't have access to a booth. Follow up and make sure your car's metal has a good scrub down and is free of any dirt and grease.
Mask your car as if you were working in a pro shop. This means taking your time! A rush job is the enemy of every work of fine art. Go ahead and wet the ground to keep dust particle at a minimum before you spray the primer. Check the spray guns to make sure they're squeaky clean. Keep in mind that spraying the car is not the time you want to find out that your guns have clogged arteries.
Some of the basic tools you’ll need are a primer, reducer and catalyst, strainers, stir sticks, and a measuring device. You'll need to have a basic knowledge of the different type of temperatures your reducer will work best in. Safety is priority one! If you're not wearing a respirator and goggles-go get them.
You might want to use a urethane primer because it builds high and is easy to sand. Ok, you've got the car primed, and hopefully you've remembered to guide coat your vehicle. You stop, wipe the sweat from your brow and ponder, what seems like forever, before it's time to remove the masking.
Remember, take it slow and easy. You don't want to screw up all the nice work you've done.
If you really want a clean sanding finish, you might want to sand it by hand. Find out what the experts recommend on the sandpaper grit and if the sandpaper should be wet. The better you sand, the better it will all come out in the end.
Check the settings on your gun, wipe the beads of sweat off your brow, and paint away! As a rule, you should have a good grip on the procedures of painting a car. A little talent wouldn't hurt either. No matter what advice you receive, always make sure you're actually in the know!
Finally, it's done. You step back and look at your handy work-and realize you should have taken it to a professional body shop.
When you really get serious about taking your car painting talents to the next level, why not contact WyoTech to find out what the Collision Refinishing Technology Program is all about! At WyoTech, you learn by doing in addition to the normal classroom environment.
Just think, you could be making a living doing the thing you love!
We're WyoTech, and we can help you turn PRO.
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"At WyoTech, I received the skill set necessary to take me as far as my imagination will lead me."
Jessi Combs' motto, "It's not how big you are in the fight; it's how big the fight is in you," has taken her a long way...