painting

[finkeralfl]

almost ready to paint my truck and could use alitle advice. the pain is 17 years old that is on it...can I go over it or should I sand everything down...or maybe just prime over it...i really dont want to sand the whole thing to bare metal. Never done body paint before and cant afford to get it done by a pro.....any suggestions or advice would really help

 

[Bully Bob]

Prep is 90% of any paint job.

If there isn't multiple coats of paint, & blisters....sand smooth, prime, coat/spray with a sealer, then paint. (assuming the old paint is adhering well)

Any sheetmetal repairs need to be "smooth" or it will show...especially with dark finish color.

Multiple layers & blistering may req. complete removal. (I've done this twice)

Stop & make friends at a good body shop....see if they'll give you a few tips. >-

 

[trains11tjc]

Prep is 90% of any paint job.

If there isn't multiple coats of paint, & blisters....sand smooth, prime, WET SAND coat/spray with a sealer, then paint. (assuming the old paint is adhering well)

correction

you need to wet sand after you prime or else your gonna have some really rough paint. I've screwed up on many a paint jobs you dont want it to happen. my friend painted my front grill of my truck...i let him cuz he was just learning and i come back and he did the worst job he could've ever done at wet sanding. So yea u need to be careful u get everything when u wet sand or else your gonna have spots that stick out.

 

[finkeralfl]

the top coat is going to be a flat black...will rough paint matter?

if it does, tips on wet sanding after you prime...?

 

[trains11tjc]

the top coat is going to be a flat black...will rough paint matter?

if it does, tips on wet sanding after you prime...?

ummm it just depends how you want it to look...most likely you WILL be able to tell u didnt sand (ex. it will feel VERY rough) i mean if you dont want to thats your choice but in my opinion i would sand it. Nothing too special about wet sanding...you can use 600 grit sandpaper and then 1000 grit if you want it to look really good but what i normally do is just skip the 600 and go straight to 1000. just get the sanding block and sand away. make sure u get all those little creases good cuz they will show....the whole panel should be nice and soft if you did it right. GOOD LUCK!

 

[Justshootme84]

The factory paint is usually baked on over primer, and new paint will stick to it better, plus less prep work than if you sand to bare metal. Just make sure the old paint is free of any wax or dirt, and repair any rusted areas first.