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Tips For Staying Clean While Painting Your Car

Painting projects can get messy, but that doesn’t mean you and your garage have to become part of the canvas! At Paint for Cars, we’re always here to help you make your DIY paint projects a success with less mess. Here are our top tips:

Wear protective gear. It’s not just for safety! You want goggles, a respirator, and gloves, but you should also wear full-cover clothing that you don’t mind getting painted on. This protects your skin from getting stained if you get any paint on you.

Protect your surfaces. Use tarps and masking tape to cover where you’re working, including the floor and any tables or surfaces where you set your supplies. Cover any areas on your car that you don’t want to paint.

Invest in good tools. Cheap tools don’t just do a poor job—- they can get leaky and drip.

Keep cleaning supplies handy. Have a set of cleaning materials like rags, wipes, and a solvent for paint clean-up close by. Immediate clean-up of spills or splatters makes the job easier.

Practice with the paint gun. If you haven’t painted a car before, use a little paint and get a feel for the spray gun before you turn it on your car. You can paint a spare tarp or have fun with it and use a piece of board or canvas. Knowing how the paint gun handles will help you ensure the paint goes where you want it instead of all over your floor.

With these guidelines, you’re ready to tackle your project while keeping yourself and your workspace as clean as possible.

How To Prepare For DIY Car Painting

Are you ready to give your car a fresh new look? At Paint for Cars, we believe anyone can achieve professional-looking results with the right preparation. Here’s a guide to get you started on your DIY car painting journey.

  1. Choose the Right Environment: Painting your car requires a clean, well-ventilated, and dust-free environment. A garage is ideal. Ensure it’s completely clean and free from dust that could stick to wet paint.
  2. Gather Your Supplies: you’ll need an air compressor, paint spray gun, orbital sander (with multiple-grade pads), hand sandpaper (grits 120-800), solvents, masking tape and paper, body filler for any repairs, safety gear, and the actual paints and coats for your project.
  3. Prepare the Surface: Wash your car thoroughly to remove all dirt. Once dry, sand the current paint down. Start with 180-grit sandpaper for rust or damage, proceed to 320-grit to smooth out scratches, and finish with 400- to 600-grit to prepare the surface for new paint. Pay extra attention to edges when sanding, as improper sanding in these areas can lead to paint peeling from the edges of panels. Repair any dents with body filler, and you’re car will be ready to go.
  4. Mask Off Areas: Use masking tape and paper to cover windows, mirrors, and other areas you don’t want to paint. This step ensures a neat and professional finish.

Patience and preparation are key. Take your time, and you’ll be rewarded with a car that looks as good as new.

How To Clean The Spray Guns

At Paint for Cars, we’re dedicated to helping both DIY and professional painters get the most from their equipment. We cannot stress enough how important it is to clean your paint gun immediately after a job. Don’t worry if you don’t have a professional wash station; plenty of good cleaning products are on the market. Always wear gloves to protect your hands when cleaning spray guns.

Here’s what you need to do:

Preparation: Disconnect the air compressor and then the regulator. Empty the paint gun; paint mixed with hardener should not go back into the can.

Clean the cup: Use paper towels to wipe excess paint and moisture. Fill the gun’s cup with thinner, shake gently to coat internal surfaces, then spray the thinner into a waste container to clean internal mechanisms. Dry, then repeat 3-4 times.

For the rest:

Note: Don’t just worry about visible paint; check for any sticky reside while you work.

Disassemble the gun, removing parts like the fluid adjustment knob, the spring, and the fluid needle carefully.

Submerge removed parts in thinner, then rinse everything in thinner followed by water. Use Q-tips or an old toothbrush for nooks and crannies.

Dry the gun and its components thoroughly with paper towels and compressed air.
Reassemble the gun, lubricating threads and parts. Wipe away excess oil and ensure the gun operates smoothly.

After these steps, your paint gun should be completely clean and ready for storage, ensuring its readiness for your next project.

Top 5 Tips To Picking Out What Car Color Is Right For You

Choosing the right color for your car is more than just a matter of taste—it’s a blend of practicality and personality. At Paint for Cars, we understand how important this decision is. Here are our Top 5 Tips to help you find the perfect hue:

  • Easy Maintenance: Go for light colors like white or silver to hide scratches and reduce cleaning, or choose dark shades for that deep, rich look but prepare for more frequent washes.
  • Boost Resale Value: If this isn’t your forever car, then stick to neutrals like black, white, or silver for a classic appeal that holds its value over time.
  • Express Yourself: Let your car shout your style—pick from bright, bold colors for a statement or classic shades for timeless elegance. Consider metallic, candy, or pearlescent paints for a dash of dazzle, or go for an understated matte finish.
  • Beat the Heat: Select a light color to reflect the sun’s rays and keep your car cooler in hot climates. Dark colors are cozy in cooler areas but can turn your car into an oven in the summer.
  • Safety First: Enhance visibility and safety on the road with lighter and brighter colors known for being more visible in various conditions. Perfect for areas that get a lot of heavy rain or fog.

At Paint for Cars, we’re here to help you navigate through your options and find the color that’s not just right, but perfect for you. Visit us for expert advice and to browse the highest quality paint selection around!

What Is A Clear Coat?

Ever wondered how to achieve that showroom shine on your car? At Paint for Cars, we have the answer: a clear coat.

A clear coat is a transparent paint that goes over your car’s base color. Its primary job is to provide protection and enhance the durability and appearance of your vehicle’s paint. Without a clear coat, your car’s paint would be much more susceptible to fading, scratches, and environmental damage.

But a clear coat does more than protect; it brings out the depth and vibrancy of the base color underneath. It’s the reason that a car can have that wet, glossy look that makes it stand out. Beyond a full paint job, a clear coat is also important in repair projects, ensuring that touch-ups or panel paint blends seamlessly.

Applying the clear coat is the final step in a multi-stage painting process that includes primer and base color coats. Careful application is essential to avoid visible imperfections such as orange peel, runs, or ‘fish eyes,’ which might require sanding and reapplication. After applying, the clear coat can be wet sanded and polished to remove surface imperfections and achieve a high-gloss finish.

Our clearcoats cater to every need, from budget-friendly options for hobbyists to professional-grade products offering maximum durability and gloss. Easy to apply and fast-drying, our clearcoats ensure excellent adhesion and UV protection. Make your next automotive project a success—explore our range and give your car the shine it deserves!