Your car is one of the most important investments of your life. You must take certain steps in caring for it. Especially if you’re thinking of getting it to repaint, you can either look for a reliable car paint shop or make sure to do it the right way yourself.
However, there are some steps that you should consider before getting your car painted. Here’s how to prep your car for a superb car repaint job:
Cutting
The first step is cutting. Cutting doesn’t mean you go on separating the parts of your vehicle. It’s a technique that uses an abrasive compound to remove the layers of paint. It’s used as a prep technique since it helps remove old paint so that you can apply the new layer. One thing to take care of is the type of abrasive compound that you’re using for cutting. There are several cutting powders you can opt for. Choose the right one if you know what you’re doing or better consult the store owner to help you out.
Applying Cutting
Before applying cutting, tape the surrounding areas so that the powder doesn’t spread elsewhere. Administer proper PPE kit to keep yourself safe from chemical exposure. Use a clean cloth to apply the powder in a circular motion by hand or by a machine. You can use an orbital polisher that will work great. Make sure to apply the right amount of pressure and keep checking as well.
Don’t be hasty with the work, you’ll have to overdo everything several times. Don’t spend too much time on one area as it can potentially heat the compound, burning the paint, and causing more damage.
Sanding
This is one of the most common auto paint job techniques used. Sanding is used to remove the top paint layer of your vehicle. It’s well known for its results as it truly preps your car for a paint job. Depending on the job type, you can either sand the car on your own or use an orbital sander for the purpose. Make sure to use the right kind of sanding paper depending on the task.
How to Sand your Car?
Use a 1,200 grit paper or sanding pads for the purpose. It will help clear the coat and the paint in no time. Since you’ll be repainting the car, it’s important that you remove the primer layer from the vehicle, exposing the bare metal. Apart from that, ensure that no glossy spot remains since the new primer layer and the paint won’t be sticking properly with it.
If you’re just repainting a spot and don’t need a complete a paint job, use 2,000- 2500 grit wet and dry paper for it. In addition, press lightly on minor scratches in color coats that will help to clear them in no time.
Priming
This is an essential paint in the paint job and can make your car paint cost investment worth it. It has to be applied before the paint to ensure that the paint sticks properly. The primer helps create an ideal surface for the paint to be secured. You can also use high build primers that come with high solids, guaranteeing smoothness in the overall paint job.
How To Apply The Primer?
It’s better to do it the right way the first time. That is why use a high-quality primer designed for metal surfaces. Clean the area first and apply the first coat. After the first coat is done, apply the second and third coat. It will ensure a reliable surface covering for your paint job.
The point is to cover the bare metal so that the paint can stick effectively. That is why ensure to apply the primer effectively for superb results. If you’re applying it for a specific area, ensure to tape the surrounding part.
Make sure to pause and inspect during the job so to see if you’re doing it right or not. If you see any bumps or scratches, re-sand the area to make it smooth and then apply the primer again. You’ll probably have to use this technique to get a perfectly applied primer. So, make sure to spare some time from your schedule.
Well there you have it; your vehicle is now ready for the paint job. Ensure to pick high graded paint because you won’t want your car to look dull with odd paint and after all the hard work you’ve done preparing it.