How to Paint a Car with Auto Air Colors

For years, automotive paints have been toxic, be it a lacquer-based or urethane-based system. But recently, Auto Air Colors came out with a new line of waterborne paints, making them substantially less toxic. The spraying system, though, is pretty different from a traditional paint job, so here are some tips to help you spray Auto Air Colors. This project vehicle is a 1998 Chevrolet Silverado that is primed and awaiting paint.

Instructions

1

Make sure the temperature the day you're painting is at least 70 degrees. If it's not, you can look into renting a temperature-controlled spray booth. You need higher temperatures to evaporate the water in the base coat.

2

Prep the vehicle by wet sanding the entire surface down with 600-grit sandpaper wrapped around the flexible sanding block. Keep a bucket of water nearby; constantly dip the sandpaper into the water, keeping the paper clean and the surface smooth.

3

Mask off the entire vehicle using the masking tape and paper. You want to mask off areas that won't be painted.

4

Wipe down the entire vehicle with the solvent-based cleaner and a lint-free paper towel. Make sure the entire surface is clean.

5

Clean the vehicle with a tack rag by running it along the entire surface, turning frequently.

6

Mix the Auto Air Colors base coat and reducer in a paint cup; use a 9:1 ratio of base coat to reducer. Stir it with a stir stick. Most paint mixing cups have measurement lines down the side to help make this process easier.

7

Pour the color into the spray gun and adjust the pressure to 35 to 40 psi.

8

Apply the first coat of paint in a very light pattern. This should not produce much color, and will only tint the primer slightly.

9

Wait for the first coat to tack. You can test your hand against the masking paper and if it feels dry, then apply the next coat. You still want to apply light layers, but this time you can go a little heavier. You still won't have a full coat of color yet, and it will still look thin if it's done correctly.

10

Repeat step 9 about four times until you get complete coverage on the vehicle. For the last coat, go a bit heavier than before to produce a smooth and even finish.

11

Allow the paint to dry. This can take several hours, depending on the conditions in which you're painting.

12

Clean the paint gun. Mix a urethane clear coat with the appropriate hardener and reducer in a paint cup.

13

Apply a light coat of clear for the first coat, then apply two heavier coats. You want a wet finish, but not so wet that it runs.

14

Allow the paint to cure for three to five hours, then remove all masking tape and paper.