Professional Auto Body Repair and Painting Shop

Professional Auto Body Repair and Painting Shop

THE BASICS OF PAINTING A CAR FROM HOME

A car cannot be painted well just anywhere... Ok, there are exceptions, but it also depends on what kind of finish you are looking for. Do you want a El Cheapo job? or maybe you just want a super sick paint job

You have to find a place out of the weather, with good ventilation, plenty of room for you to maneuver, proper lighting and electricity. Your garage is probably a great place to start but be careful for safety issues (water heaters or furnaces that could cause a fire hazard because of paint fumes). Assemble everything you will need for the job and organize it so everything is easy to reach and not in harm's way.

The Basic Equipment and Materials You Will Need for painting a car from home are...

Paint sprayer

Paint

Sand paper, sanding blocks

Safety goggles and gloves

Masking tape

Hand tools to remove trim etc.

Before You Begin, Repair all body dents or blemishes so they won't be visible after you paint and remove all rust from the car. Take off the chrome or plastic trim on the car.

This is fairly easy. Today nearly all body panel moldings found on cars can be "popped" off and back on easily. But do not force them off if they are resistant. Go to an auto supply store and pick up the special tools they sell to remove them more easily. You don't want to damage the melding or chrome.

Next, sand the paint.

You have to sand it down either to the bare metal or the original primer, and at least enough to create a surface that your new paint will adhere to. For the very best results, sand the paint down to the bare metal, which will mean you'll have to reprime the surface before you can apply paint.

Then meticulously clean all of the car's surfaces.

Use denatured alcohol or mineral spirits because you don't want any oil whatsoever on the surface when you paint.

Cover all surfaces that you want to remain paint-free with masking tape and paper.

This usually means windows, glass, trim, handles, grills and mirrors. Take care to make sure there are no pin pricks or perforations in the paper and that the masking tape is smooth and adheres well. Otherwise overspray from the paint gun will get through them and ruin the job.

Applying the Paint

Prime the surface with a good primer.

If you have removed all of the car's paint down to bare metal, you should use a corrosion resistant, etching primer. Also be certain to prime well all surfaces you used body filler on or surfaces that you removed rust from. Take the time to do a smooth transition on these areas. Make sure to apply plenty of paint to fill all scratches or pits that might remain on the body from sanding, etc.

Check the directions on the primer and allow enough time for the primer to dry thoroughly.

Now sand all of the primed surfaces until they are completely smooth. Watch out that you don't sand too much and expose the bare metal again. With a wax/grease remover or acetone, thoroughly clean all surfaces that you primed to remove any dust or oil that has settled on it during priming and sanding.

Now you are ready to apply the finish paint to the car. Follow the paint manufacturer's directions. See if a hardener or catalyst is recommended to be used with the paint. Thin the paint properly for the particular equipment you are using. Allow the paint to fully dry

Professional Auto Body Repair and Painting Shop

Professional Auto Body Repair and Painting Shop

Professional Auto Body Repair and Painting Shop

Professional Auto Body Repair and Painting Shop

Getting your vehicle repaired is a great choice in our uncertain economy. It can actually save you time and money. However, knowing where to take your vehicle for repairs is a hard choice. You want to be sure that you are getting quality repair at a fair price. There are many things to look for when choosing an auto body repair shop. If your vehicle is in need of repair find out how to choose an auto body repair shop for your vehicle.

There are many different services that can be performed on your vehicle as far as auto body repairs are concerned. Many auto body shops offer a variety of services that include paint touch up, paintless dent removal, bumper repair, wheel rim repair, windshield repair and much more.
You should start looking by asking around or dropping into local auto body repair shops in your area. Ask to see what kind of work they perform, how long it will take to complete the repairs, how much it will cost you to get the work completed, and the kind of process they use to repair vehicles, and anything else you feel is important to your specific needs.

Here are a few more things to look for:

If and when you are looking to get your vehicles auto body repaired you should take the time to select a great auto body shop for repair. You will want to choose a shop that offers a wide variety of services. That way all of your auto body needs can be met at the same place and handled by the same qualified professional. It will save you time and money getting it all done in one spot.

One thing to check is how long the shop has been in business for. This is not a sole indicator, but if the shop has been in business for some time chances are they are reliable and should do a good job on your vehicle. Don't choose a shop that has secured a bad name for their shop. Also, if you were to have any problems down the road you want to be sure that they will be around to uphold any warranty or guarantee that they will most likely give you.

Also, make sure that you approve of the quality of work that the auto body shop produces. You want to get the repair done the right way the first time. It is perfectly acceptable to ask the shop to see examples of the work they have previously done. This will give you the best idea of what to expect.

Even though quality is one of the biggest things you are looking for, you will want to get a good deal. Don't just choose the first shop that you like. Look around at others and compare all aspects of them and then choose the one you feel is right for you and your vehicle.

Take the time and find the right auto body shop for your vehicle!