The clear coat is peeling in multiple spot on my car, escically the hood. Is there an inexpensive way to fix this? Thanks.

 

Going to have to get it repainted.

 

Damn, I figured that might be the case. Does anyone have any tips on how to do your own paint job?

 

if you have to ask, you cant do it, its hard, i do it for a living, and i still learn a new thing everyday from the vets around the shop

 

I hate to say it, but I pretty much agree. Even the Pro's make mistakes, so you can only imagine how bad somebody with NO experience whatsoever can do. Its not like painting a toy car with a can of Krylon.

We'll be glad to walk you through the process, but its a big undertaking, and could get expensive. The paint itself is pretty cheap, but by the time you factor in primer, clear coat, hardener, reducer, sand paper, surface prep, tack rags, etc... it adds up quickly! Total cost to paint my friends TTA was just over $500 (I don't use cheap paint).

 

it's not really all that hard, getting the technique down can take some time, especially if you're new to it (as i'd be assuming you are since you're asking). Getting equipment isn't cheap either, but after you have it, and have amassed some experience, you'll be painting more things with the equipment anyway, so, eh, no biggie.

Do a search, the question isn't new to you, it's been around for ages, get yourself a book on painting cars, infact, get several , and read them cover to cover.

For practicing techniques, go to a bone yard and get yourself some body panels of junkers, and get yourself some practice before you give a try on your car. I'm sure that with enough patience and a little bit of time i think you'll have a good time, and probably find a good hobby for years to come.

 

do a search on "project resurection" and don;t belive what they say about you can;t do it. if you have some skills you can do it as i did. you have to buy equipment and have place to do the painting but it is very doable. my first paint job came out great.

jeff

 

What kind of paint did you guys use? I just painted my dads truck with acrilic enamel, and I got it from Shermain Williams, I hate that place, they give you hardener, reducer, and paint, and say knock your self out. The cans all have different directions which all say something different on every can mixing instructions. So where do you guys get your paint and what would you suggest I use to paint my firebird? I'm looking to go either black, or a midnight blue. Thanks alot guys.

 

Hey danwaite,
Do a search for Jeff's "Project Resurection" you'll get some handy tips...
Dump the enamel, one step above lacquer. Urethane is the way to go for a user friendly, durable long lasting finish, that if you do the steps right, and spend a little extra time, will WOW all your friends and even some board members.

 

Mine was the second car I've painted and it turned out great.If you take a little time and do your homework it's cake,just time consuming.I am going to do a complete color change on my car and,no offense to charged350 but I won't take it to a shop to be charged $$$ when I acan do it in my garage for $.

 

I dont think painting is that hard, definately takes alot of time and you will have to develop some skill. The hardest part that I have found was the body work, because any defect in the body work is going to show once you paint.

Painting it yourself will also come to around the same price as having someone else do it. However, you will learn alot and you will save alot of money when it comes to painting more then one vehicle. you have to price the air compressor, a good gun, paint, all the other supplies.

With that being said, here is a pic of my first paint...

 

and the second, painted my dads bird..

Forgot to mention, I got the paint from the napa paint shop, it is the cheaper nason brand but its great for a daily driver. Also they premix the base, the only time you have to mix is for the clear.

 

I'm not trying to dis your paint because it looks really good in the picture, but IIRC, you had to do alot of wetsanding because of application problems and that you had to repaint the rear bumper because of a lifting problem. You had a leg up on the others because you did lots of research.

"Not that hard" is a relative term. I think its hard because I don't want to do any sanding. Its very gratifying to spray a "no buffer" which I can ocassionally do. If you don't mind doing alot of sanding or having to repaint some areas to fix mistakes, then Yes, its not hard. If I came off as "you can't do it", I didn't mean that. You can do it, but how much knowledge and practice before hand will impact the end result.