Not to stir up the rustoleum pot here but I have a serious question.

When first looking at the car before purchase I noticed a can of rustoleum in the trunk the same teal color as the paint. When I questioned the po about it he said it was the paint he used on the valve covers. I thought that was weird but the valve covers where painted teal (hand on face)
At the time I shrugged it of as to another idiot thing he done to try and destroy the car but the more I think about it I wonder if he painted the car with it.

The paint does not look good, very dull lots of orange peel and chips coming off all over the hood and quarters.
Now I was not worried about the paint or any of the other idiot things that where done I was only interested in zero rust a straight frame and operating components to work with.

Now that I am thinking about starting the paint sooner than expected i am a little worried that it may have a rustoleum job.

Many of you guys have a wealth of knowledge and I am hoping to tap into it here with a few questions.

1-How can i tell if it has been rustoleumed?
2-If so what can I expect for problems trying to prep and then spray new
3-Cost vs Work ( i have less time but also a do it at home properly budget) to deal with the problem myself or pay for it to be dealt with?

 

1. Strip the paint. If you're not sure, why gamble with the cost of paint over an unstable foundation.
2. No problems if you strip it. It's the correct method. Do not paint over Rustoleum.
3. If you have no formal training, it would be best to pay someone that does.

 

Yup, if its fading and chipping you won't want to put fresh paint over the top. Whether its rustoleum or a crappy paint job on your car, your new paint job will only be as good as the weakest link in your paint.