Anyone paint their own cars, bikes,etc.?

[franksta]

I did the $80 roll-on paint job on my truck. This is the day I finished it.

5-years later.

I wouldn't do it again. I'm actually going to single stage it eventually. I think I could do the whole thing for less than $1000 minus my time. Several places (SummitRacing, Eastwood, etc.) have single stage systems that I'd consider.


I figured it's worth the savings vs having a professional do it. It is a truck and it does get used/beaten so I don't need anything fancy. I had my Grand Marquis done professionally (kinda, my brother-in-law does paint/body work and the labor was paid for with my old guitar amp). I have about $1000 in just paint and supplies.

Some before pics in "Old Man Brown"

Wheel covers removed to make it easier to reach the valve stems to air up the tires.

Above mentioned truck in the background

I'd say for a car you care about it's worth it. I would have paid the $3000 for this since it's a weekend car and doesn't see any abuse. The new color is Subaru Regal Blue Pearl. We now call the car "The Big Blue Boat" or "The Deep Blue Sea".

 

[clok1966]

google, there are hundred of "budget" paint job threads.. as so many have said its prep and hardwork, but much cheaper..

ANYTHING can be done right cheap if the cheap part is your free labor.
I have seen rattle can, paint brush and roller jobs that look good.. but house paint is fades.. it wonnot look like it did the day it went on. Clear coat can help some.

I worked auto body for several years (what i went to tech school for in my youth, to bad you make more money in a corp world) for the best resualts go to the local cheap tool place and buy a sprayer.. there are still some cheap auto paints.. (cheap means different things to differnt people) you should be able to do something for $400-600ish with alot fo labor that will last.

 

[xavier es]

i taught myself to paint my first car when i was in high school.
sprayed outside, waited for a windless warm day, wet down the whole yard to keep dust down.
i got some cheap enamel at a yard sale and practiced on 2 old refrigerators first.and then polished my technique when doing the primer.
take your time with the prep work. get a decent spray gun, if you are patient you can do it well.