Flawless car paint repairs start with excellent preparation. Even the best custom formulations will deliver disappointing results if the bodywork isn’t prepped correctly.
Here’s how to prepare your vehicle for car touch up paint and full panel repairs.
What does a bad car paint job look like?
You can tell a bad paint job a mile off. Telltale signs like tape lines, overspray, and uneven texture could leave your car needing expensive repairs down the line.
If you fail to prepare your vehicle, you need to be prepared to fail. Prepping a car for paint isn’t necessarily time-consuming, but you do need to be meticulous at every step to avoid a poor result.
How do you prepare a car for painting?
Thorough cleaning is the basis of all paint prep for cars. Removing dirt, grime, and grease gives the paint an impeccable surface to adhere to.
Here’s what you’ll need to ensure your vehicle is impeccably clean:
- Clean water: Start with a clean water rinse to loosen dirt and grime.
- Specialist car shampoo: Don’t be tempted by DIY solutions like dishwashing liquid, which can strip your car’s protective layer. Invest in a good-quality product that is purpose-made for the job.
- Degreaser: A good degreaser will strip off any old wax, so the new paint adheres better.
Ensure you clean your car thoroughly, paying attention to hard-to-reach places and places where grime and dirt accumulate.
How do I clean my car before painting?
Here’s what to avoid when washing your car ready for spraying:
- Don’t wash your car in bright sunshine to avoid streaks and water marks.
- Don’t use abrasive sponges or use a carwash with harsh brushes that can ruin your paintwork.
- Be careful using a pressure washer. If you need to use one, set it to low pressure and avoid washing your car on gravel.
- Soak away bird droppings rather than scraping them off.
- Use different towels for each task to prevent cross-contamination.
Can I paint over existing car paint?
Sanding is the best way to get rid of layers of paint and lacquer when preparing car panels for painting.
It’s a time-consuming process, but well worth it for a seamless finish. You can speed things up by using an orbital sander, but these need to be handled with care — it’s very easy to go too hard and damage the paintwork.
Using a sanding block gives you control over your work so you don’t remove excessive paint. Start with dry sand with 180-grit sandpaper, followed by a finer grit to remove the scratches. Finish with your finest grit sandpaper to prepare the panels for painting.
Work in a circular motion and continue sanding until no shiny patches remain. Always wear a mask, and wipe away any residue carefully with a clean cloth.
Do I need to prime a car before painting?
Priming is essential for several reasons. A coat of primer will prevent rust or corrosion from forming and causing further damage. It also ensures strong paint adhesion and a smooth base layer when preparing car panels for painting.
Start by taping off the repair area to avoid overspray. Next, apply a smooth, even coat of primer and allow it to cure for at least 24 hours before applying your repair paint.
For full panel repairs, order our paint tins and pair them with a spray gun for outstanding results. We recommend a minimum of two coats plus a clear coat for impeccable results.
Trust in Auto Aerosol’s touch up paints for a flawless finish
Meticulously prepping a car for paint ensures flawless results, and our custom-formulated car touch up paints can help give you a showroom-worthy finish. At Auto Aerosol, we can supply aerosols, paint pens, bottles, and paint tins to ensure flawless results.
Just type your vehicle’s registration into our handy paint code finder or select your make and model for the perfect paint match, order the perfect shade, and prepare to transform your car.
