Practical Steps for Preparing Your Car for Painting
Painting a vehicle can be a challenging process. You cannot simply purchase cans of paint and begin coating the automobile's panels. If you want to create an even, beautiful and protective coat of paint, you must make time for auto body preparation. Proper planning and appropriate surface improvement processes will prevent mishaps. Here are some of the best guidelines for preparing your vehicle for spray painting.
Protect Vulnerable Components
You should protect the vulnerable parts of your vehicle for the painting work. The vulnerable components are the elements that you would like to keep clean while painting. Remember, the overspray from the auto body paint can be damaging. You can use protective tape or other protective material to keep some of the surfaces free from paint such as the windows and their gaskets. However, this solution might not be viable for elements such as the bumper or door handles and emblems. For the best results, you should remove these components before beginning your work.
Sand the Auto Surfaces
Painting the vehicle panels will not help in concealing significant blemishes. For instance, scratches, bumps and chips will look more prominent if covered by a fresh layer of paint. Therefore, you should refine the surfaces of your car before proceeding. This preparation process will create a smooth and clean surface for your paint. You will only need to purchase sandpaper for this process and a suitable cloth for wiping. The level of grit required, and the length of sanding time will depend on the condition of your vehicle.
Check for Rust
You should not ignore rust when preparing your vehicle body for a paint job. Remember, a small patch of rust will spread the degradation to the other metal surfaces. If the damage is not resolved early, the paintwork will be less than ideal, and the vehicle structure will lose intrinsic strength. If the rust is light and localised, you can eliminate the deposits using your sandpaper. However, if the material is heavy, you should not take chances. Use a rust killing or inhibiting product to handle the problem.
Use a Primer
You should not paint your vehicle panels without using an appropriate priming compound. The material will be critical in ensuring that the paint sticks to the surfaces and lasts for long. There are different types of primer to consider for your project. The right products will depend on the specific needs and the status of your car. If you are uncertain about the best choice, you should consult an auto body expert.
For more information, contact your local auto spray painters.