3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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After this winter is over, I'm planning on painting my whole car (icy parking lots are not my friend). I want it to be relatively inexpensive, like $100 or less for the paint, I have access to a compressor, and will buy a spray gun.
I'm thinking just black or dark blue or green, no custom colors. All I can think of is Duplicolor Paint Shop Pro. What is the best paint to use?
Have you painted a car before, because of not I'm willing to bet it will come out like crap... no offense but I think painting a car requires practice. You'll probably go through a lot more paint if its your first time as well.
I've never painted with a compressor/ spray gun, only with a can of spray automotive paint, and it came out fairly well. I'm sure I will do a lot of practicing before actually touching the car, and I'm also sure I'll screw up, but it's all for the experience.
Well that is the only way to learn so I admire your risk here and the best of luck. As far as paint the only help I can offer is that watching powerblock recently they used a low cost acrylic based paint. They said it was easy to apply compared to regular paint, it was 70$ for a gallon and they had a quart left after painting a jeep cherokee. It is also very durable, and there was no clear coat afterward. It might be worth looking into.
Edit: I believe this was the stuff they used, and the 70 dollars was with the acrylic hardener. Youd have to look around to see if its really a good product, but it seems to me this may be a little easier for a first time, or just cheaper.
Edit2: Here was what they used, a kit of all the stuff you need for 70$.
if youre gonna do a color change, remember that your engine bay & door jambs will still be the factory color - and all exposed interior metal ... which is ugly to most people
you need to sand the whole car down, not to the metal, primer it/apply paint bonder, and then paint the car. After that, wet sand the car and then apply the clear coats.
you need to sand the whole car down, not to the metal, primer it/apply paint bonder, and then paint the car. After that, wet sand the car and then apply the clear coats.
Exactly what I'm planning on doing - Thanks - I just need to know what brand/type of paint I would do.
And if i change the color, black is close to dark green, and i would just spray paint the door jams, trunk, under hood etc. black to match.
For less than $100, the big names like Dupont, House of Kolar, or BASF are out of reach. GM uses PPG. I've also heard Sherwin Williams made easy spraying auto paint, but not sure if they still do.
The key is in the prep work. And if you're painting black, you needs tons of prep work. Most body shops charge considerably more for black, because it shows EVERY defect in the sheetmetal. Also make sure you use a good respirator and paint suit, as the new paints can be aborbed through the skin and eyes. Gravity feed guns work best if you aren't going to bake the car afterwards.
you need to sand the whole car down, not to the metal, primer it/apply paint bonder, and then paint the car. After that, wet sand the car and then apply the clear coats.
After sanding, don't forget to wipe down the area to be painted with wax/grease remover before priming/painting. Use a lint-free cloth. Also, don't touch the area to be painted with your hands/skin cuz of skin oil.
Make sure that you have an water separator on the outlet of the air compressor to prevent water spots in the paint.
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