How Much Paint Does One Need to Paint a Car?

Changing a car's paint is not as easy as changing one's hair color. Once you decide what color you want, you should determine whether you have the facility to paint your own car. Typically, you must first repair any body damage, remove all trim, and cover the windows and tires to protect from overspray. Removing the antenna and covering the mirrors are important steps that are sometimes overlooked

Base and Clear Coats

For a mid-sized car, you will probably need about 2 qts. of a base coat. A base coat provides a sealant between the car's body and the paint that will be applied later.
You will need two or three coats of clear to ensure complete coverage. Be cautious that you do not apply too much clear coat, for it can produce dulling for which the only solution is repainting the entire car.

Paint

The paint itself will take about 3 qts. of your chosen color. Depending on the cost per quart, you might go ahead and get 1 gallon to ensure that the color mixture is the same. You don't want to end up with two slightly different colors on your car.

Stripes

If you are painting stripes, it is best to apply them after the car has been painted, but before the final clear coat. Depending on the amount and width of the stripes, generally 1 qt. of paint will be sufficient. Mark the stripes well with tape such as 3M's blue line tape. Be sure that the tape is firmly in place to prevent overspraying onto the rest of the car. Once the paint is no longer tacky, but not completely cured, remove the tape carefully. Pull it at a 45-degree angle away from the paint to prevent it from marking the rest of the car.

Pearlescent

If you plan to use a pearlescent-type paint, first check with your paint store to see whether it recommends a two-step or three-step process. The two-step process consists of a base coat plus pearl coat, and the three-step process is base + pearl + clear. Using a pearlescent doesn't add to the amount of paint you use, but it must be mixed thoroughly and consistently for a smooth, matched color.

Hint

Always be sure to keep a small can of originally mixed paint as a touch up for small dings that will occur over time. If the paint doesn't match exactly, it will look like an amateur touched it up.