Restorations can go from a fun project to an expensive and time-consuming adventure.
One step to restoring cars is the paint job. This can help fight signs of oxidization or hide any scratches or dings.
If you are ready to tackle making your car’s paint look like new, check below for our top five tips for automotive paint restoration!
1. Know When to Repaint
It can be difficult knowing exactly when you should start a paint restoration project.
If you start to notice that your car’s clear coat is flaking, keep a close eye on it because you probably will need to take action soon.
2. Start with a Clean Base
It’s crucial to clean your car before doing anything with paint. You can use household dishwashing liquid. Another good step to take is to use a clay bar to remove any old paint.
This will leave you the perfect surface to put fresh paint on.
3. Polish Carefully for Automotive Paint Restoration
After you get your car squeaky clean, you need to start polishing. It is best to do this with two different grades. Polishing will remove the top layer of damaged paint without impacting the layers or metal below.
It is possible to polish by hand, but it will take longer. You also run the risk of it not being as good
4. Plan Your Paint
Before jumping in and going crazy with a spray gun, be sure to map out exactly the paint route you are going to take. Consider the air flow in your space and map out a route accordingly.
One common path is to spray from the back of a booth to the front. Be mindful of any overspray that might land on areas you already covered.
In order to achieve a consistent look, don’t spend too much time on one section. You never want to paint an area, move to another, and then return to the original if too much time has passed.
Look up what the manufacturer states for a time period between the color and the final clear coat. Some suggest at least 48 hours.
5. Maintain the Fresh Look
To avoid having to repeat this process, invest time into the up-keep of your fresh paint job. Wash the car regularly. This will help clean the car of any debris that could cause paint chips or damage.
In case you notice any scratches on your, fix them as soon as possible. If left untreated, they could cause the metal to rust.
Nail Your Next Car Paint Restoration
What do you think? Do you feel more prepared to nail your automotive paint restoration project after reading these tips? Regardless of what car or color you’re working with, these tips will ensure your success!
If you want to keep going with your restoration projects, check out our guide on repairing car upholstery!