Painting Myself... Crazy?
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2008
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Painting Myself... Crazy?
Is the idea of someone painting their own vehicle when they have no experience or no clue what they are doing crazy?
My original plan for my 78 F100 was that I would treat the rust, get it ready to paint they actually pay someone to do the paint job. I want it done really well, which was why I would pay someone. That said, its crazy expensive and right now I cant afford it.
So would it be nuts for me to try to do it myself? Whats the worst that can happen? I thought about community college courses but the reality is that I dont have the time for a 6 month course. I figured I would pick up a bunch of books, doing my studying and give it a shot. Hints? Tips?
If I majorly screw up I can just sand off the paint and try again right?
My original plan for my 78 F100 was that I would treat the rust, get it ready to paint they actually pay someone to do the paint job. I want it done really well, which was why I would pay someone. That said, its crazy expensive and right now I cant afford it.
So would it be nuts for me to try to do it myself? Whats the worst that can happen? I thought about community college courses but the reality is that I dont have the time for a 6 month course. I figured I would pick up a bunch of books, doing my studying and give it a shot. Hints? Tips?
If I majorly screw up I can just sand off the paint and try again right?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 2
From: Malvern, Ohio
Well how well are you with welding n sheetmetal work?
If you have never held a paint gun and havent done much bodywork if any at all BUT have patience. You could try body repair from cleaning to welding of the truck and using fillers like "kitty hair" or just light duty filler or fiberglass resin and fiberglass sheeting.
Doing bodywork on older vehicles is different from the new school stuff.
How much knowledge do you have of the different types paint themselves??
If you have never held a paint gun and havent done much bodywork if any at all BUT have patience. You could try body repair from cleaning to welding of the truck and using fillers like "kitty hair" or just light duty filler or fiberglass resin and fiberglass sheeting.
Doing bodywork on older vehicles is different from the new school stuff.
How much knowledge do you have of the different types paint themselves??
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Junior User
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My truck needs VERY little if any body repair. From what I can see there is only surface rust, I planned on treating that with Ospho.
I've worked with paint, sheet metal on a much smaller scale. I've done things like print work (carving pictures into metal), stained glass windows (welding the glass pieces together) and regular painting. Thats about it. I've got good hand-eye coordination and patience. I completely get that patience will be the biggest thing.
I'm going to do the trucks interior first. It'll need Ospho and I'll paint that. If I suck at that then I wont bother trying the outside..
This truck is my first ever vehicle, so obviously my first project. Basically my 'learning' vehicle that I hope turns out really nice. I dont know much about the different vehicle paints but I plan on doing a fair amount of research on the different types before starting
I've worked with paint, sheet metal on a much smaller scale. I've done things like print work (carving pictures into metal), stained glass windows (welding the glass pieces together) and regular painting. Thats about it. I've got good hand-eye coordination and patience. I completely get that patience will be the biggest thing.
I'm going to do the trucks interior first. It'll need Ospho and I'll paint that. If I suck at that then I wont bother trying the outside..
This truck is my first ever vehicle, so obviously my first project. Basically my 'learning' vehicle that I hope turns out really nice. I dont know much about the different vehicle paints but I plan on doing a fair amount of research on the different types before starting
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 403
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From: NW Mississippi
Every pro painter knew nothing about it at one time. At the very least you could primer and seal it. You can fix screw-ups at that stage with some sanding and re-application and it will give you some idea as to how good you are at painting on this scale as well as some practice.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 2
From: Malvern, Ohio
Yeah, for anyone starting out the basecoat clearcoat system tends to be the nicest to a novice. If you choose to use PPG I suggest you use DBU system its more forgiving than DBC and little less expensive. Bright pigmented colors are more expensive, darker colors are less costly unless its basic white which is around the same price as basic black.
For example you may say *green* but there are sooooooo many shades and variances of each color you have to be specific. I.E. John deere green or Summer green or Forest green. Plus the cost will rise if you have pearls, metallics, metal flake in the paint also
For example you may say *green* but there are sooooooo many shades and variances of each color you have to be specific. I.E. John deere green or Summer green or Forest green. Plus the cost will rise if you have pearls, metallics, metal flake in the paint also
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2008
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Ok. My plans for colours may make it slightly more difficult.
I was wanting dark Black Cherry Pearl as the main colour. Then the cab's cap painted an offwhite/creamy colour.
Like this colour
http://www.byerscustom.com/images/34%20Ford%20Sedan.jpg
I was wanting dark Black Cherry Pearl as the main colour. Then the cab's cap painted an offwhite/creamy colour.
Like this colour
http://www.byerscustom.com/images/34%20Ford%20Sedan.jpg
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 630
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From: Hedgesville WV
The first paint job I did was the best. I've done a dozen more and none have been quite as good. Dont be scared go for it
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,077
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From: Vallejo, CA
I am in an auto body class at the local community college right now. In the beginning, the instructor had us buy a metal mailbox (with the arched top). He then took a hammer and put a nice dent in it. We then did all the work from fixing the dent through sanding, priming, sanding, painting, and shooing clear on it. I forgot to add there was a lot of sanding in there too.
The advantage to this was that we got to practice on $12 mailbox, not my Ford Truck. From this I gained some experience and confidence when it came time to working on my truck.
As a side note, my instructor who owns a custom paint/autobody shop in town will paint a mailbox for a customer to show what a paint color and custom paint work will look like (flames, etc.) before painting the vehicle. This really works great if he is painting a bike for the customer.
One more thing, be careful of the legalities of painting due to environmental concerns. In Cali, there are stringent laws against it and I hear the fines are pretty big. I am not sure about your neighborhood.
The advantage to this was that we got to practice on $12 mailbox, not my Ford Truck. From this I gained some experience and confidence when it came time to working on my truck.
As a side note, my instructor who owns a custom paint/autobody shop in town will paint a mailbox for a customer to show what a paint color and custom paint work will look like (flames, etc.) before painting the vehicle. This really works great if he is painting a bike for the customer.
One more thing, be careful of the legalities of painting due to environmental concerns. In Cali, there are stringent laws against it and I hear the fines are pretty big. I am not sure about your neighborhood.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 578
Likes: 12
Actually there are no "environmental concerns" about painting. Its the same old lies to control us. Example, when the goldengate bridge needs paint on it there will be no worrys about the environment. When any "JET" plane takes off from LAX and spews raw kerosene out the back and burns fuel at the rate of over 200 gallons a minute, there will be no concern about the environment. But dare the pee on try to seek his or her happiness or preserve his or her car or truck or what ever with a little paint, then all crap breaks loose. Everyone needs to wake up before it is too late. Don't let them legislate our stuff we need and use away from us. Educate your self about the real reasons for the constant brain washing of the environment on every form of news media there is. You hear it all the time everyday. That is called propaganda, and mind control.
There are many real scientists that disagree with the envrio agenda, they get silenced.
Sorry to rant, it just pees me, I don't want to loose my tools and paint and cars and trucks are tools in a way.
There are many real scientists that disagree with the envrio agenda, they get silenced.
Sorry to rant, it just pees me, I don't want to loose my tools and paint and cars and trucks are tools in a way.
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Junior User
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Interesting views on the legal side. I'm not sure if theres any laws, or rules here. I would have to look.
Just recently the city of vancouver has decided that they are going to take "serious measures" to encourage people to get rid of vehicles older then 20.. haha, guess we'll see what happens, they can't make me get rid of my baby
Just recently the city of vancouver has decided that they are going to take "serious measures" to encourage people to get rid of vehicles older then 20.. haha, guess we'll see what happens, they can't make me get rid of my baby
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,214
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From: Rio Rancho USA
LOL!! Time for me to make a foil helmet so I dont fall victim to any more "mind control"!!
Here is some reality- Some types of paints will KILL you if you breathe too much of it. Like the old IMRON paints. Seriously toxic stuff. Just use some generall common sense here.
Equestriana- Some cities have very harsh laws concerning how and when you can paint a vehicle. For your own protection you might want to look into it. If you can afford to rent a paint booth, thats the way to go.
Fastmover- that mailbox idea is awesome.
Here is some reality- Some types of paints will KILL you if you breathe too much of it. Like the old IMRON paints. Seriously toxic stuff. Just use some generall common sense here.
Equestriana- Some cities have very harsh laws concerning how and when you can paint a vehicle. For your own protection you might want to look into it. If you can afford to rent a paint booth, thats the way to go.
Fastmover- that mailbox idea is awesome.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,077
Likes: 0
From: Vallejo, CA
Actually there are no "environmental concerns" about painting. Its the same old lies to control us. Example, when the goldengate bridge needs paint on it there will be no worrys about the environment. When any "JET" plane takes off from LAX and spews raw kerosene out the back and burns fuel at the rate of over 200 gallons a minute, there will be no concern about the environment. But dare the pee on try to seek his or her happiness or preserve his or her car or truck or what ever with a little paint, then all crap breaks loose. Everyone needs to wake up before it is too late. Don't let them legislate our stuff we need and use away from us. Educate your self about the real reasons for the constant brain washing of the environment on every form of news media there is. You hear it all the time everyday. That is called propaganda, and mind control.
There are many real scientists that disagree with the envrio agenda, they get silenced.
Sorry to rant, it just pees me, I don't want to loose my tools and paint and cars and trucks are tools in a way.
There are many real scientists that disagree with the envrio agenda, they get silenced.
Sorry to rant, it just pees me, I don't want to loose my tools and paint and cars and trucks are tools in a way.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 578
Likes: 12
The point is don't let them make those kinda laws. Speak out. Let everyone know its an evil agenda. The big boys ie the large companys will still get to use all the stuff we are not allowed to have. Don't let them legalize stuff from us. That is if you like the automotive hobby, or even just need to fix your own car or truck.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: pg b.c
The point is don't let them make those kinda laws. Speak out. Let everyone know its an evil agenda. The big boys ie the large companys will still get to use all the stuff we are not allowed to have. Don't let them legalize stuff from us. That is if you like the automotive hobby, or even just need to fix your own car or truck.