Auto Painting Tutorial

The application of automotive paint is a challenging task that requires specialist equipment and a large degree of skill. Modern paints are usually applied in two stages using a colored base coat, which is subsequently covered with a clear coat that provides a protective shell for the color and a superior gloss finish. There are many different paint brands to choose from but, by and large, application is relatively similar with all products. Once a vehicle has been prepared, primed and rubbed down, the paint application can begin.

Instructions

1

Wipe down all car body panels with a degreasing agent to remove traces of grease, oil and sweat marks. Dry each panel thoroughly with a dry piece of lint-free cloth and run a tack cloth over the surface of the panels to eliminate dust and fiber traces. Ensure that the ambient temperature is approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit and, if you are working in a paint booth, ensure that all extractors are turned on before continuing.

2

Activate the colored paint in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Solvent-based colors are usually mixed at a ratio of 2:1 with a compatible thinner; water-based colors are usually mixed at a ratio of 10:1 with a compatible waterborne accelerator. Stir thoroughly to mix. Filter the paint through a strainer into the pot of a HVLP spray gun to remove lumps and traces of grit before tightening the lid securely.

3

Apply one full coat of color to each panel, starting at high sections such as the roof, and work your way downward. Hold the gun approximately 6 inches away from the surface of the panel and move the arm across the face of the panel at a speed that allows a full application without runs or sags. Work back across the panel in the opposite direction, remembering to overlap each strip of applied color to reduce the risk of inadequate coverage or dry spots. Once each panel is complete, check the edges to ensure full paint coverage and leave to cure for 10 minutes before adding a second coat. The second coat should also be allowed to cure for a similar amount of time.

4

Once the second coat has cured, a drop coat must be applied. This is a light, misty coat that is applied from a distance of about 10 to 12 inches. The purpose of the drop coat is to ensure even coverage and effective distribution of metallic content. Ensure that each movement of the arm allows for overlapping of color and, once the paint has been applied, leave it to cure for 10 to 15 minutes. If you are using solvent-based paint, wipe over each panel lightly with a clean tack cloth to remove over-spray. Specialist tack cloths for water-based colors are also available, but never use a regular tack cloth on water-based paint. Clean the HVLP spray gun with cellulose thinners.

5

Activate the clear coat in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Clear coats are usually mixed at a ratio of 2:1 with a compatible hardener and diluted by 10 percent with a compatible thinner to promote effective material flow. Hold the gun 4 to 6 inches away from the panel surface and apply one medium volume coat of material to seal in the color. This provides a grip for the second coat and helps to produce a superior final finish. Leave to cure for 5 to 10 minutes, making regular checks on adjacent masking paper with a finger to ensure the first coat has gone tacky.

6

Apply a full second coat from the same distance to provide a final seal over the colored base. Ensure that enough material is applied so that the desired depth of color is achieved and that all the base color is completely sealed beneath the clear coat. Effective overlapping will help to achieve this. Carry out a final visual check of all panels to ensure that there is full, clear coat coverage before leaving the vehicle to dry overnight. Alternatively, if you are using a paint booth, bake the vehicle for 25 minutes at 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to clean the spray gun thoroughly.