Backyard/ garage DIY paint experience?

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cleantune
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Backyard/ garage DIY paint experience?

Post by cleantune »

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Has any one on here done some painting without the use of a paint booth?

I'm looking to do some of my own painting because I'd like to learn how and I don't really don't like to play the waiting game. I'm just looking to do the interior and some other stuff. I've seen some people paint their cars outside with fairly good results and I figure "color sanding" is always an option to make up for any imperfections and the finish that a "cheaper" paint gun would leave behind.

For supplies this is what I'm thinking so far:
-HVLP paint gun (Harbor freight)
-regulator for the paint gun (if not included)
-dessicant system (Devilbiss)
-Large capacity air compressor tank

-single-stage paint
or paint w/clear

*of course masking tape, paint funnels, newspaper, plastic, rosen paper, etc

If anyone has done this before and has some helpful advice to offer, that would be great. I'm really trying to get this done before the winter since there has been bare metal in on the chassis for about 2 years now.

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adamky
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Re: Backyard/ garage DIY paint experience?

Post by adamky »

I don't have anything to offer right now, but I also plan to do some painting in the not-too-distant future. Me and my buddy are talking about getting some clear plastic/tarp to build a little paint booth inside his garage. I've already got the paint, the HPLV gun, and my buddy has a 80 gallon air compressor. We just need the tarp, dryer/dessicant, and some type of filtered fan/blower setup.
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cleantune
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Re: Backyard/ garage DIY paint experience?

Post by cleantune »

Just wanted to post an update on this, since I have prepped (fixed small fiberglass damage), primed painted and cleared sideskirts and a front bumper.

I've heard stories before about painting in a garage...wet the whole floor, then aim fans outside with filters, etc.

What I did was pick up a bunch of disposable plastic tarps and basically boxed in a garage bay (could do the same with a tent setup outside too).

Paint was from "Automotive touchup" (paint code matched ready to spray basecoat. The clear was Eastwood 2:1 European urethane clear w/med activator.

Tools:
-fiberglass +resin
-bondo and bondo glazing spot putty
-gray primer (appropriate for basecoat color)
-16"x3" flexible foam sanding block w/ 60,320,500 grit sand
paper
-paint filter funnels (disposable funnels with mesh at bottom)

-large tank compressor (larger than 6 gallon)
-Devilbiss airfilter and desiccant filter (QC3)
-HVLP paint gun (from harbor freight)

- saw horses or some kind of stand to sit parts on to paint
-large fan
-paint-rated respirator with changeable filters (shave to ensure good seal)
-paint suit/gloves (unless you wanna match what your painting, lol)

-tack cloths (for removing final surface dust)
-alcohol for cleaning
-rag for initial wipe down (also washed these parts with soap and water if I remember correctly to remove all the dust and oil


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cleantune
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Re: Backyard/ garage DIY paint experience?

Post by cleantune »

Most important thing is the prep work, then it's just ensuring you have enough pressure coming out of the hvlp paint gun. metallic and or pearl mix and spray while everything is still evenly mixed.

Some paints come with a shade card- spray and let dry. Do each coat until one can't tell what shades are underneath- even color all the way across the shade card...that's the min amount of base coat needed.


Lay down tack coat of paint then start with long deliberate motions applying the paint and run it right off the sides so it doesn't build up (keep same speed too for this reason) and overlap strokes a bit. Let dry and then mix and go with clear.

There is tons of info on internet, just wanted to give a brief overview for those who have already read this far into the post.

Biggest thing I found was not having enough air pressure coming out of the hvlp or inconsistent air pressure, which will orange peel the finish like crazy. Light even coats is key when starting.

Hope this helps, if nothing else just that it can be done.

***full disclaimer after I "had this experience of painting, I sanded everything down to almost just the basecoat of green and had shops repaint, haha. I'm planning on giving this another try again for any future panels though and of course the interior.
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