You mentioned the most important aspect of a good paint job, the surface condition and prep, if you do this very well, then your paint will turn out very nice. Shoot it and enjoy the learning process, after that you'll be in a much better position to decide for yourself whether to do the next one or farm it out.

A constant theme you will hear from high-quality paint pros...
There's no such thing as a "perfect" paint job, it's all about the time you want to spend.

Some general quidelines I found in my own research.
A good quality driver paint job about 120 hours
A base level show paint job about 180 hours
A high quality show car 250 hours
and it goes on from there based on what you want.

To answer one of your other questions, I painted it myself, and will do so again. Could it have been better...always, so a mute point...am I happy? I'm rootin tootin happy

 

It is a lot of work, but I would say it's definately worth it. I also am a perfectionist and never thought I would be able to pull it off and be happy with the results, but I couldn't be happier. I've painted a few other cars since then because I enjoyed it so much. Here's a thread I posted after I painted the vette:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1515347

 

If its between a 6000 dollar paint job and a DIY paint job, I would DIY. The reason being is that a 6000 dollar paint job is NOT very much money for a paint job, and will most likely NOT satisfy you!

I did a search on Paint, and it landed me here. I don't even know what section I am in, I am guessing C-3's.. which is cool.. I have a 69 BB Roadster with A.C. ,

....However the car I am reseraching paint for is my 57 Corvette, which I am doing my first body off restoration on. I planned on doing the paint myself. I am 500 hours into the body off personally and 100 hours to friends! I bought almost everything to do the paint myself including a nice air compressor. Most everyone told me that if I was going to have close to 100 grand tied up into a car and its restoration, the paint better be immaculate, as this is a large selling point.

This scared me, so I did research and found the best body-shop paint man I could. I have waited 6 months for my appointment. He does 1 to 2 cars a year. I am going to be into him for anywheres from 10 to 20 grand! His first bid was 10 - 15 based on pictures, and after the car is now in his shop, he figures it may be as ridiculous as 20, and "can I pay for that?" Well, honestly not really... but I will figure it out some-how... he has agreed to let me do a little more prep work under his guidance, and that will save me some dough, and I will learn from him, and gain a friend in the process.... I feel in my gut it will be worth it! I Wish my wallet felt the same way!

 

ttt

 

MYBAD79, you did a great job! First time painting a car too?


white 68, great job! Were you also a first timer?

 

That doesn't make sense. The best guy around, and he only makes 40 grand a year max, less expenses.

Maybe the best guys don't do it anymore because they don't want to be broke.

 

Labor is the biggie, and most people that repair corvettes charge a ton...maybe because it's a corvette??? I have it firsthand, there are shops out there that paint plastic cars just like the metal ones...NO DIFFERENCE, rough it up, sealer and top coat...charge triple!!! I learned to spray paint from someone that really knew the business (NOT cars) and the transition was extremely easy. "In the old days" when lacquer was king....mess up, wait 10 minutes, wet sand the run, dry it off shoot it again. Now with basecoat/topcoat the option is to sand the basecoat....that eliminates a multitude of problems, clear over all of that!!
Using a solid color (non-metallic) allows the car to be painted a panel at a time...or front/back if necessary, that may be an option for you as well. You can do it!!! Learn on a panel first, better off with a door or quarter (NOT THE HOOD OR TRUNK) mix according to package instructions, use the correct thinner, spray some, get used to the equipment, let it dry, sand it smooth, there is your first color coat!! If you are using the same color to practice with, you don't have to sand it off, just block sand to get it flat!! Good Luck!! It ain't hard!!
Give it a shot on a small prepped panel and give us a shout back, let us know what you are looking at, if problems??? we may be able to offer solutions.

mobjack68

 

yup... first time

 

Popular Hot Rodding has a special section on auto painting at home in their March issue...........

 

Pay me $20,000 for $2,000 job and I'll be your friend too!

And I'll let you watch as much as you want. LOL

Seriously... painting a car is simple.

I was scared when I did my first one around 1970... just like I was scared doing my first.... well.... you get the idea. You just gotta jump right in.

Given the right tools and information anybody can paint a car.

It just is not that difficult.

Metallics can be trying because the particles tend to move around a bit, but once you figure out a method, you're good to go.

Always spray a test panel (old toilet, anything) before you start, to see how the paint is going to lay down, and go from there.

 

Thank you sir and yep that was my first attempt. It was extremely nerve racking, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Be sure not to skimp of equipment. The gun I used really should get all the credit. I'm sure you'll do a fantastic job, just be very patient. And remember, a lot of us here on the forum have gone through exactly all the things you are unsure about. We are all here to help. Do a search for posts from guys like Muddywaters, MYBAD79 and Corz just to name a few.

 

Yes, the paint is the easiest part of the job, but it takes skill, too. Go to a body shop and see if they have any old body panels and paint that you can practice with. You can't be afraid, you just have to do it! I like PPG dbc basecoat and dcu2002 clear, or dcc concept single stage paint. I bought some of the omni clear for a cheaper paintjob on a vehicle and didn't like it. Even with the slow hardener it dried to fast. It was almost impossible to buff, also. That would really make it hard for a beginner. If you have any questions, please ask.

 

ttt