A Guide to Car Paint Supplies

Paint Supplies You’ll Need to Paint Your Car

In this article, we’ll share our guide to car paint supplies. Is your car showing signs that it needs a new paint job? Prior to starting your painting project, you should create a quick checklist to see if you have everything you’ll need on hand.

Having the right tools and supplies ready to go will ensure that you’ll end up with a professional-looking finished product. For reference, here are 9 crucial tips to remember when painting your car.

In our guide to car paint supplies, the experts at Paint For Cars will walk you through everything you need to know about the different paint supplies you may need for your next car painting job. Follow our recommendations for the best car painting results!

1. Primer

The first item on our guide to car paint supplies is primer. In fact, one of the most important steps to painting your car is applying the primer, particularly if you’re working with bare metal or repairing damaged areas on the surface of your car.

Primer works by providing adhesion and an overall smooth surface for your car paint to adhere to. This helps to ensure longevity, durability, and a professional-looking finished result!

Primer products we currently carry include our 5-Star Direct To Metal Self-Etching Primer w/ Reducer and our ProForm DTM Epoxy Primer. We also carry our 1 Gallon Synthetic Enamel Non Sanding Grey Primer, our XTREME DTM High Build Primer,

For urethane primer solutions, we have the MAXX FILL 2K High Build Urethane Primer Surfacer, and our TCI Premium 2K Urethane Primer Surfacer w/Activator.

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2. Acrylic Topcoat & Clear-Coat Lacquer

The acrylic topcoat is the final layer of paint that gives your car its final desired color and finish. The topcoat provides durability, weather resistance, and a glossy appearance. Clear-coat lacquer is often applied on top of the color coat to enhance the shine and protect the underlying layers. Learn more here about the 3 best ways to protect your new car paint job.

At Paint For Cars, we carry two lacquer products in our auto paint supplies category: our 5 Star Hot Rod Black Acrylic Lacquer Primer Surfacer and our TCI Premium Lacquer Primer – Gray products.

3. Face Masks, Safety Glasses, & Respirators

Prior to painting a car, you should make sure that you prioritize your safety. This includes checking that you’re not breathing in harmful fumes and particles while working. We highly recommend that you invest in a few face masks prior to starting your car paint project.

Additionally, safety glasses will help shield your eyes from any potential hazards, such as paint overspray or debris. Take a look at our Gerson blue respirator here.

4. 1200-and 2000-Grit Wet-and-Dry Sandpaper

Next, to ensure a smooth and even surface for painting, you’ll want to make sure that you have a 1200-grit and a 2000 grit wet-and-dry sandpaper available.

These sandpaper items are typically used by car painting DIYers for sanding down the existing paint, removing imperfections, and creating a surface that allows the new paint to adhere properly. Here are 4 life-saving steps to DIY car painting.

5. Powered Sander

Are you planning on sanding a larger area of your car? For larger areas, or even more extensive paint removal, you should definitely look into purchasing a powered sander. This tool can help significantly cut down on the time that’s spent sanding.

In addition, buying a powdered sander will help you achieve better across the surface – which is especially helpful for whenever you’re working with rougher spots or rusted areas.

6. Masking Tape and Masking Paper

Have certain areas of your car that don’t need paint? Having masking tape and paper on hand is essential.

By carefully applying the tape to areas like windows, trim, or other parts you don’t want to be painted, you can create crisp, clean lines. Also, masking paper can be used to cover larger areas, providing additional protection against overspray.

7. Spray Gun

For a high quality and long-lasting painting job, you’ll need to purchase a good spray gun. A quality spray gun will allow for precise control and even distribution of the paint, resulting in a smooth and professional finish.

Be sure to choose a spray gun that suits your specific needs and the type of paint you’ll be using. Here are some important things to know about auto painting.

8. Air Compressor

The next item in our guide to car paint supplies is an air compressor. In order to power the spray gun, you’ll need an air compressor. The air compressor is what provides a steady flow of compressed air, which atomizes the paint and propels it onto the car’s surface.

Learn about how to effectively paint your car with a compressed air sprayer.

9. Paint Thinners

Another painting tool you’ll need for your next car painting project is a paint thinner. Paint thinners are solvents that we use to dilute paint and clean up painting equipment. They help achieve the right consistency of paint for spraying and are essential for cleanup.

Different types of paint may require specific thinners, so be sure to choose the appropriate one for the paint you’re using. Contact our team for more details.

10. Buffer

Lastly, as you’re gathering different car paint supplies, make sure that you have a buffer on hand. A buffer polishes and buffs the painted surface of your car. It also helps remove imperfections and minor scratches, giving your car a showroom-quality finish.

Using the right buffing pads and compounds, you can achieve a high gloss and restore the paint’s original look.

Guide to Car Paint Supplies: In Conclusion

We hope our guide to car paint supplies has been helpful to you to help you get started!

Planning to paint a car? Here are 6 key tips for how to paint a car and automotive paint application methods that you can follow. With our wide array of car paints, auto paint kits, and other supplies, you’ll find everything you need to tackle your painting project.

Additionally, our company also offers competitive prices and fast, secure shipping, allowing you to get started on your project without delay.

Why Choose Paint for Cars for Your Paint Supplies?

Since 1998, Paint for Cars has been a trusted provider of high-quality auto paints and automotive body supplies at competitive prices. With a commitment to product quality and customer service, Paint for Cars has earned a reputation for excellence, resulting in the highest word-of-mouth car paint sales in its history.

No matter if you’re a professional auto painter or a DIY enthusiast, Paint for Cars is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way! Learn more here about different car paint color trends in the automotive industry to help you get started on color. Or, refer to our automobile color trends and car paint colors for 2023.

A Guide to Car Paint Supplies: Different Paint Supplies You May Need for Your Car