You don’t need to hire a professional painter to do car painting jobs anymore. Now, painting the vehicles has become super easy and convenient that from amateur to DIYers, anyone can paint with spray paint. All you need to do is learn some tips and tricks to get the desired finish.
So, if you are here to learn about how to get a glossy finish with spray paint, then you are at the right place. This article is just for you. Here, I will be talking about the detailed process of painting and step by step guide to get a glossy finish.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an occasional painter; these steps will help you do the job easily and effectively! Without any further ado, let’s get started!
How to paint automotive with spray paint?
The finish of a painted item depends a lot on the paint you use and the process. Therefore, it’s extremely important to know how to paint versatile materials from wood to metal properly. To inform you about the most authentic car painting process, here I am going to explain them step by step in detail.
Things you will need to paint automotive with spray paint
Though the glossy finish is the last stage of painting, I will state things you will need from start to finish of a complete painting job.
First of all, you need to pick the right paint according to the item you are going to color. There are versatile types of paint that not only vary depending on the material but also give matte to a glossy finish.
Since you want to get a glossy finish on a car, then choose the one that promises to give a glossy finish. It would be written on the can.
Besides, you will need a power sander and Sanding pads, sprayer, grit sandpaper, cleaning compound, masking tape, scrap paper or newspaper, Primer, enamel, thinner, safety goggles, gloves, buffer, buffing pads, rubbing compound, rag cloth, etc.
Step 1: Choose a suitable location – First of all, you need to choose a location that will allow you to work comfortably. The area has to have proper ventilation. Moreover, it must have electric connections and less dust.
Step 2: Remove dust and debris – To bring accuracy to your painting job, you need to make sure the area is clean and tidy. Otherwise, it will catch debris which will impact the finished painted look.
Step 3: Sanding – The key to getting a glossy finish with spray paint is sanding. Now, to do the job, you will need sanding paper and a sander. Attach the sandpaper with the sander and begin sanding in a circular motion.
Make sure the surface is free of debris and dust before sanding. The key to proper sanding is, it must bring down to the bare metal.
Start easy, and have patience until the entire vehicle sanding is done. The purpose is to get a uniform sanded surface. Clean the car with a rag cloth and check if sanding is complete.
Step 4: Tape the surfaces – At this point, you need to use the masking tape to block the places where you don’t want to apply it. Areas like windows, door handle, grill, glass, and window trim should be taped with masking tape.
Step 5: Prime before painting – Priming the piece is crucial before applying. You can use corrosion-resistant primer or self-etching to get a smooth and uneven surface. It helps to prepare the surface and get a glossy finish later on. After application, let the primer cure with enough time.
Then, sand the car again. But, this time, you must not reveal the bare metal. So, sand carefully. After that, wipe the car with a clean rag using a bit of thinner.
Step 6: Do the job with the right spray gun – After priming, paint the car. The key to applying spray paint is to use a high-quality gun. And, it would help if you chose it according to the surface. Since you are painting a car for the first time, then you must get the best automotive paint gun for beginners.
Here, you must get a high-quality gun as well as paint in order to get proper coverage and durability of the color. Keep the gun about 6 inches away from the car. Also, make sure the color doesn’t fade away with thorough cleaning over time.
Step 7: Let the paint dry – As painting is complete, you need to allow the freshly painted object to dry properly. To do this, you must choose a well-ventilated area. Since it is sticky, it is prone to catch debris and dust easily.
Hence, it’s better to keep it inside in an open space so that it doesn’t touch other elements.
Step 8: Touch up if needed – When it is completely dry, examine the piece thoroughly. You may need to touch up a few spots for boosting color. Spray paint will ensure you get a seamless finish. But, before you apply the last coat, sand again and wipe with a clean rag.
Step 9: Buffing – After sanding is done, it’s time to buff the piece. Attach foam to the buffer and apply a few drops of rubbing element. Now, turn on the buffer and evenly buff the vehicle. Keep buffing until the rubbing compound is gone. Then, wipe the area with a clean rag.
Step 10: Adding rubbing compound – After completing the buffing process, remove the compounded foam. Get another clean foam and add a few drops of polish. You can also add polish to the car.
Now, use the foam and polish the surface until the compound is completely gone. Slowly, you will notice the gloss has returned.
And voila! You will definitely see the desired gloss you were expecting. Don’t worry! The repetitive process of sanding and polishing does not affect the original color.
Final Verdict
Here are the simple steps of how to get a glossy finish with spray paint. It may seem lengthy, but it’s completely doable by anyone. So, it doesn’t matter whether you are an amateur or a DIYer; you can always get a glossy finish like a professional if you have the right spray gun.
In a nutshell, the process of glossy finish is sanding, buffing, and polishing. A few drops of polishing can actually boost up the shine of any vehicle. This simple layer will not only give a professional finish but also work as a protecting layer from scratches and dust.
Now, getting a glossy finish on any automotive is a piece of cake. So, when are you going to shine your car!