Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Aesthetics Paint

My mystique has gotte a bunch of scratches over the years and in some parts the pain is peeling. not to mention when i loan it to my mom and it comes back with mysterious markings she CANT account for. Im seriously thinking about refreshing the paintjob on it but i have a stupid question to ask. is it possible to paint your car yourself?

i mean im fully expected to go to the paint place to have it done but i was wondering if i could get the paint and do it myself with some sorta industrial applicator. How hard is it for a COMPLETE novice?

-Stick

oh BTW i have that color change turquoise that turns yellowy when the sun reflects on it. i notice for doesnt use it for any other cars nowadays. i did see it on a 97 escort once.

Hard.

A proper paint job invoves taping over all the windows, trim, badge removal & what nots.

Then you need a clean, wind free room. You need to know how to mix the paint, apply it properly, allow for dry times etc...

Then, most paints need a buff when they're done & completely dry to fully shine & remove any "orange peel" or thicker layers of paint.

It can be done if you've got the time, the space, the $$ and another car to drive while you're doing it.

Hell if you do good you can open your own paint shop!!

werd to Nate. I would def take it to a shop. I was a novice and attempted to paint my own vehicle. although it turned out "okay", it was not as good as I expected and wanted. It is a very, hard, tedious job where if you mess up...you cant really go back unless you strip the whole car again and re-shoot it. and you have to have the right tools as well. you cant go cheap on the tools if you want it to be nice. after all of that and buying the paint...you might as well just spend a few extra dollars and get a professional job.

here is a pic of my finished product after i painted it:

i have been painting cars for the last 4 years and it is hard especially if you have never done it before. You need a good size air compressor, good paint gun, dust free enviroment. It is more work than you expect. Although it can be done. My recommendation is go to a community college and most of them have automotive paint & body. They have good guns and also paint booths. Plus people who could help you. You will probably spend about $500+ for decent paint materials. Good luck.

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=aesthetics&Number=521794&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=7&fpart=1

ok.. im NOT doing it myself... but i figured it would be cool to ask. take it to a shop it is... now how much does a GOOD job cost?

-Stick

$1000+ For a good 2 coats w/clear. Cheap, you can get as low as $500 but you wouldn't be that happy with it.

You are looking at around $1300 for a repaint of the same color and you condition of the car has to be excellent. Every little ding the price goes up. If you are thinking about change the color of the car then the price will go up even more because now they have to take the doors off and the trunk lid, hood to paint them to match the new color. Now you don't have to but i would recommend it becuase it looks cheap if you don't. My own opinion. One thing i tell my customers are that you are only doing this once so do what you want not what you can afford. If you have to prolong getting your car painted till you have enough money. If you do what you want and not what you can afford you will be MUCH more happier with the overall result.

By the way regarding clear coats any good body shop will put a minumim of 2 coats of clear so you don't have to worry about asking for that. Some body shops will use the clear coats as a selling point by saying "we usually put 4 coats of clear on all of our paint jobs" well you unless you watch them have no way to tell if they actually do put 4 coats or just 2 coats. Of course there is an advantage of having an extra coat of clear for scratches and if you color sand the car down to a sheet of glass then you will need an extra coat of two. Go to a good reputable body shop than a shady place. Good luck

Custom painted red svt
19" Konigs
Custom $2500 stereo system
only 67000 miles on my 1998 svt
for sale asking $11500

All I can say is if you are spending less than $2000 for a paint job..you are going to be unhappy with what you get. Paint materials for an allover is about $500 and you have to factor in $40+ hours of labor time. It adds up quick.. a dealer is about $4000 right now, my shop is currently about $2500- $3000. It may sound like a lot of money..and it basically is , but compared to $4000+ its a bargain..We have also charged as much as $15000 but thats for shaving , suicide..molding in lights that arent made for the vehicle and body kits all added on the car..the a custom candy "House of Kolors" orange pearl.if you are less than $1500..you are in the maaco paint quality..and you sure as hell dont want that..stay away from enamel paint..go with RM/ Glassurit. You'll love the outcome