How Hard Is it to Paint Your Own Car?

[Ledjar]

i've been waiting to make my focus Deep Sky Blue for a wile but the prices for like maaco is like 300-400 bucks probbly more considering i want a farily hard to find color. anyway whats all needed to do it from scratch at home? has anyone atempted this? and how much do you suppsoe it would cost, would it be cheeper or more than haveing it professonaly done.

[focuschic316]

300-400 dollars is not expensive for a paint job. But what kind of quality is that paint job going to be. When it comes down to having a custom car with a good paint job, looking for something cheap is not the way to go. At first it might look good but if the painter dosen't do the proper prepping that paint will be bubbling in no time.As to painting it your self at home I wouldnt try it unless you have some very good expercience in it. A car is a big thing to do your first paint job on let alone your own car. But if you do try to do so remember it is better to repaint your car over primmer not over the paint that is already there.

[swift]

I know a focaljeter named YNOT painted this own car. PM him he would most likly now.

[guiltyZX3]

You're going to need the proper equipment.. a good spray gun, compressor, etc for spraying it. And then the paint and clearcoat..

A new car isnt what you'd want to start on.. We painted my buddy's old beater and it turned out okay, but nowhere near a good factory paint job.

[Ledjar]

yeah looks like doing it my self is out then =(

a shame a shame!

[JFord]

300-400 dollars is not expensive for a paint job. But what kind of quality is that paint job going to be. When it comes down to having a custom car with a good paint job, looking for something cheap is not the way to go. At first it might look good but if the painter dosen't do the proper prepping that paint will be bubbling in no time.As to painting it your self at home I wouldnt try it unless you have some very good expercience in it. A car is a big thing to do your first paint job on let alone your own car. But if you do try to do so remember it is better to repaint your car over primmer not over the paint that is already there.

Your best bet with macco is to sand it your self and if possible prime it...They just lay the coat over top of whatever is there. Dont rule out painting it yourself entirely just pick up some old parts read up on it or find some one to apprentice and practice till you get really good

[MiniMotoRider]

if you pay 300-400 for a paint job it will look like S**t spend the money and do it right. I got a deal on my stangs paint and it was $3400 with some shaving, but then was appraised for $7000 and it's not 100% perfect so what do you think 300-400 is going to look like? If you have to ask how to paint your car then you cant do it and have it turn out good Sorry good luck thought

[YNOT]

Yep,

I painted my ZX3 this past spring. It's a ton of work but worth every minute when it's all said and done. I've got over 60 hours in mine, not to mention I spent about $500.00 in materials. That of course doesn't include the paint gun, compressor, buffer...all the extra stuff.

I would say don't tackle it unless you've had some experience.

If you want to have a quality job shot at a professional place expect to spend upwords of $1000.00.

Here's how mine turned out...





And a little blue metalflake in the black...

[BloxZX3]

Yeah Tony is right. I myself have dipped into the world of auto painting and its not as easy as it sounds. If you want to paint your own car thats great, but you'll need a ton of materials and a ton of patience because the learning curve is pretty much all uphill...If you are interested in having a shop do it, talk to them on how you can save costs. A lot of times they will work with you on things like removing and reinstalling trim pieces, and letting you help color sand and prep the vehicle. Just talk to the shop owner and see what they say. Peace

Lox

[Thero]

I would have to say if you want it to look good and be a show car look. You should have it proffesionally(sp) done. If you spend only 300 dollars on a paint job then your gonna get a 300 dollar look which might be pretty bad.