Is there a good reference manual and or instruction video to walk you through from begining to end of painting a vette at home, tools, supplies etc. I have a 5hp 30gal compressor, is this big enough? Any recommendations on paint primer and paint guns? Any other info that would be helpful. I'm not sure I can do this myself but I would at least like to look into it before I have to give someone else $1000's of dollars.

 

Wade, your compressor will probably be a bit too small for shooting the paint with an HVLP gun. You should be able to get by with spraying primer and such with it since they are much more forgiving. I'd suggest you check out http://www.autobodystore.com for the discussion board there. I learned a lot from those guys when I was painting my car. The fellow there has a great video that covers how to paint a car.

As for recommendations on paint, I'd say the most important thing is to find a helpful local shop that carries high quality materials. PPG, DuPont, Sherwin, Sikkens, and Glasurit are well respected lines. Napa stores sell Martin Senour, which is manufactured by Sherwin Williams. I used Sherwin on my car and am delighted with the results. I would suggest using the entire line of products from one manufacturer, from primer/sealer through to the base/clear. These paints are designed as a system and you'll get the best results, and warranty support, if you use a single line.

Let me know if there's anything else I can help with.
Shannon

 

By far the best info can be found at http://www.paintucation.com. See this post.......
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=142808

Kevin's videos are superior to any other out there in my oppinion (I also ordered the ones from Eckler's). There also some decent books out there, just search at Amazon. But I got a lot more out of the videos.

 

Wade, forgot to comment on your compressor. That's the same size I have, and although you'd like a bigger one, it can work if you find the right gun. Sharpe makes their platinum series that requires a relatively small amt of CFM (a 5 hp can handle it). They sell a refurbed model for about $175. There are also import knock offs available for cheaper at places like harborfreight, etc. The trouble with your compressor, is that it will run constantly when shooting, and is prone to getting water in the lines. Therefore you need to make sure you set up a water trap and possibly use a filter right before your gun.

As for paint/primer brands....Shannon is right on. Pick one of the reputable brands Shannon mentioned and stay with that line. I used PPG products, since that's what most of the guys on paintucation.com were using. + its more widley available than some of the other brands.

Good Luck. I was at the same decision point your at, back in April. I decided to give it a try myself. Its a lot of work, and be ready to make block sanding movements in your sleep. But you can do it. The best think I've realized so far, is that you can correct mistakes (if you get a run, or see something you missed...pin hole, etc) at every step in the process. It definitley takes A LOT OF PATIENCE and some good cold ones to get through. Plan on spending $1,000 for good paint materials, even if you do all the work yourself.

 

I would agree that the autobodystore.com is a great place to start. You will get all of the info you will need. I did the body work and painted my car and I could not have done it with out their help.



If you have any questions I would be happy to help

Gary


[Modified by TheVetteDude, 1:58 PM 9/4/2001]

 

I would suggest that you find a beat up hood and fender to practice repairing.
And after painting my Jeep twice in ten years I would go find a complete beater(hundai, toytota) to
try and do a complete paint job on, doing just a hood is a lot different than trying to get the whole car
to look nice in one shot...

 

Keep me posted on this because I'm thinking of doing the same thing.
Thanks,
Gary

 

I agree, get the gun you are going to use and practice. The system kits that are sold I find are not bad and will save you more money.

 

OK.... Why is it that the http://www.paintucation.com./ link takes me to a kid's preschool site??????

 

Sorry about that ......had one too many periods.
http://www.paintucation.com

Will give you the videos available, plus access to the message board.