So, my car is about 6yrs and the paint is in bad shape, thats apart from scratches and dents by family and friends.

The plan is to buy an electric spray gun (see image below), sanding discs for electric drill, buffer for electric drill, paint, thinner, clear coat, primmer, scotch tape and old newspapers. The panel beating will be done by competent panel beater.

My motivation is lack of funds to contract the best services for the job. Also, the cheap ones will not do a good job. I paid 30k for my sister's car last year but at this time, my car painted 6yrs ago is far better off.

From my reading, the main work in painting a car is the preparation (sanding precisely). Actual painting does not take more than 5hrs but the preparation will take days - weeks to get it right. I know if I Do-It-Myself, it will come out better. The only part I am scared of is the actual painting i.e getting right viscosity and colour.

Challenges:
- I am not sure if the electric spray gun will be adequate. The main decision is buying the spray gun.
- The Spray gun itself cost more than half of the budget but if successful, I may do 2 other projects which will eventually be the cost advantage.
- I have no experience in paint mixing or thinning
- I am also afraid of the job being too tedious or that without a garage cover, dust may make the job bad.

Way to go bro. I wish you the best. If you can get these materials then its sure going to come put great. Most of these artisans no sabi work at all.

adanny01:
So, my car is about 6yrs and the paint is in bad shape, thats apart from scratches and dents by family and friends.

The plan is to buy an electric spray gun (see image below), sanding discs for electric drill, buffer for electric drill, paint, thinner, clear coat, primmer, scotch tape and old newspapers. The panel beating will be done by competent panel beater.

My motivation is lack of funds to contract the best services for the job. Also, the cheap ones will not do a good job. I paid 30k for my sister's car last year but at this time, my car painted 6yrs ago is far better off.

From my reading, the main work in painting a car is the preparation (sanding precisely). Actual painting does not take more than 5hrs but the preparation will take days - weeks to get it right. I know if I Do-It-Myself, it will come out better. The only part I am scared of is the actual painting i.e getting right viscosity and colour.

Challenges:
- I am not sure if the electric spray gun will be adequate. The main decision is buying the spray gun.
- The Spray gun itself cost more than half of the budget but if successful, I may do 2 other projects which will eventually be the cost advantage.
- I have no experience in paint mixing or thinning
- I am also afraid of the job being too tedious or that without a garage cover, dust may make the job bad.

I wish you the best, but why not build a temp garage with whatever materials you can afford or rent the stuff that can act as one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-mGoUzHeUk


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw0ObOdWnRE


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtph1e--kek


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEZf1tfxepQ

And please share your results

adanny01:
So, my car is about 6yrs and the paint is in bad shape, thats apart from scratches and dents by family and friends.

The plan is to buy an electric spray gun (see image below), sanding discs for electric drill, buffer for electric drill, paint, thinner, clear coat, primmer, scotch tape and old newspapers. The panel beating will be done by competent panel beater.

My motivation is lack of funds to contract the best services for the job. Also, the cheap ones will not do a good job. I paid 30k for my sister's car last year but at this time, my car painted 6yrs ago is far better off.

From my reading, the main work in painting a car is the preparation (sanding precisely). Actual painting does not take more than 5hrs but the preparation will take days - weeks to get it right. I know if I Do-It-Myself, it will come out better. The only part I am scared of is the actual painting i.e getting right viscosity and colour.

Challenges:
- I am not sure if the electric spray gun will be adequate. The main decision is buying the spray gun.
- The Spray gun itself cost more than half of the budget but if successful, I may do 2 other projects which will eventually be the cost advantage.
- I have no experience in paint mixing or thinning
- I am also afraid of the job being too tedious or that without a garage cover, dust may make the job bad.

You see that EOD wheel ARC you sure say you go fit sand paper am with that machine? not to talk of all the angle of inclination available in every nook and cranny las las baba tawa go finish wetin you start

nurey:


You see that EOD wheel ARC you sure say you go fit sand paper am with that machine? not to talk of all the angle of inclination available in every nook and cranny las las baba tawa go finish wetin you start

Normally, the entire car cannot be sanded by a sander, there are areas where only manual sanding can reach.. The front wheel arc has black mudguard and the rear is black and doesn't require paint.

I am only painting the exterior surface in same colour and will apply clear coat on sanded headlight and rear lights. I will have to tape/cover, windscreen and any black rubber/plastic including wipers, rear glass, windows and chrome trims, roof gutter trims, wheel arcs and tires, underneath the rear view mirrors, front bumper radiator vent, head light and rear logos. The rear lights will be removed.

Taping is the least job I consider.

Sading is the most difficult job while painting most critical. Most recommendations will say sand the car to the metal, this is never done by Nigerian painters. My car has already 2 layers of paint, so sanding to the metal is not going to be easy. The least work to do in the sanding is to remove the last clear coat. That's my aim. The other critical sanding job is filling and sanding imperfections. I know I have a good eye to spot them.

AutoElectNG:


I wish you the best, but why not build a temp garage with whatever materials you can afford or rent the stuff that can act as one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-mGoUzHeUk


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw0ObOdWnRE


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtph1e--kek


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEZf1tfxepQ

And please share your results

While most painters use an air compressor, I don't see anyone renting out. Except for furniture makers. If successful with a DIY Electric spray gun, I am sure by the time i rent 3 times, the cost of the spray gun will be covered. That is the most expensive tool to buy.

I will certainly watch these videos before I make my conclusion and will share progress if I embark on the project.

adanny01:


Normally, the entire car cannot be sanded by a sander, there are areas where only manual sanding can reach.. The front wheel arc has black mudguard and the rear is black and doesn't require paint.

I am only painting the exterior surface in same colour and will apply clear coat on sanded headlight and rear lights. I will have to tape/cover, windscreen and any black rubber/plastic including wipers, rear glass, windows and chrome trims, roof gutter trims, wheel arcs and tires, underneath the rear view mirrors, front bumper radiator vent, head light and rear logos. The rear lights will be removed.

Taping is the least job I consider.

Sading is the most difficult job while painting most critical. Most recommendations will say sand the car to the metal, this is never done by Nigerian painters. My car has already 2 layers of paint, so sanding to the metal is not going to be easy. The least work to do in the sanding is to remove the last clear coat. That's my aim. The other critical sanding job is filling and sanding imperfections. I know I have a good eye to spot them.

I am happy you know the task ahead, carry on soldier.

adanny01:


While most painters use an air compressor, I don't see anyone renting out. Except for furniture makers. If successful with a DIY Electric spray gun, I am sure by the time i rent 3 times, the cost of the spray gun will be covered. That is the most expensive tool to buy.

I will certainly watch these videos before I make my conclusion and will share progress if I embark on the project.

Unrelated, about to invest in my most expensive tool to date. My head is still struggling . Considering a bidirectional diagnostic tool...

@adanny01, thanks a bunch, this is the type of posts we should be seeing on cartalk not all these come and buy car.

Please keep us updated on how it goes. Thanks once again.

I am interested in this post anyone who comes here to fight or abuse anyone should be ready for a lengthy ban.

Marpol:
@adanny01, thanks a bunch, this is the type of posts we should be seeing on cartalk not all these come and buy car.

Please keep us updated on how it goes. Thanks once again.

I am interested in this post anyone who comes here to fight or abuse anyone should be ready for a lengthy ban.

Out on all 4s with Guns Blazing Egun should be careful ooo, nah express he dey go

I think u might do well, do your research well b4 u venture so we will not hear stories that touch......Practically all I learnt in the automotive world was from DIY

Marpol:
@adanny01, thanks a bunch, this is the type of posts we should be seeing on cartalk not all these come and buy car.

Please keep us updated on how it goes. Thanks once again.

I am interested in this post anyone who comes here to fight or abuse anyone should be ready for a lengthy ban.

I support u with baton and teargas.

mejai:
I support u with baton and teargas.

Thanks jare!

Piyke:


Unrelated, about to invest in my most expensive tool to date. My head is still struggling . Considering a bidirectional diagnostic tool...

J2534?

Best investment you would ever make

All makes and model or manufacturer specific?

You have my seal of approval on the investment!

Question is...will it be your toy or will you service clients? Whichever the use case, I repeat, best investment you would ever make

It would set you apart from the "I have a scan tool" crowd, that would mean you have gone professional

adanny01:


While most painters use an air compressor, I don't see anyone renting out. Except for furniture makers. If successful with a DIY Electric spray gun, I am sure by the time i rent 3 times, the cost of the spray gun will be covered. That is the most expensive tool to buy.

I will certainly watch these videos before I make my conclusion and will share progress if I embark on the project.

I meant, build yourself a makeshift spray booth ( I am sure you have seen local ones) or better still rent a proper spray booth.....to mitigate the effect of dust...that was the point I was trying to make

AutoElectNG:


J2534?

Best investment you would ever make

All makes and model or manufacturer specific?

You have my seal of approval on the investment!

Question is...will it be your toy or will you service clients? Whichever the use case, I repeat, best investment you would ever make

It would you apart from the I have a scan tool crowd, that would mean you have gone professional

Thanks Boss. It's the autel maxi pro Mp808TS for now. Not J2534 just yet.
I should commercialise in some limited fashion, but will not formally open shop for now.
Already, I have a car in the family that the TPMS capability will help resolve an age-long evil tpms warning light...

AutoElectNG:


I meant, build yourself a makeshift spray booth ( I am sure you have seen local ones) or better still rent a proper spray booth.....to mitigate the effect of dust...that was the point I was trying to make

Actually, I considered based on your suggestion making a shed with wood and cement bags sawn together. It is something we make or buy to spread for drying harvested crops such as maize, guinea corn, rice, beans etc

I also read somewhere to tape the car and then paint the following morning. Before the paint, one should wet the surrounding to reduce dust.

I also read insects may be attracted to the paint smell and may land on the fresh paint. A shed will be handy in this case.

My Take

You’ve never had any experience in painting B4 and that worries me.
From your write up, you’re a man of high taste and you want a clean job.

My brothers that stay abroad handle their issues. Like painting the house, fixing the rooftop and many others.(here, we hire carpenter or a painter)
Don’t know your paste experience, weather you are a handy man i.e A natural in fixing things.

If not, I think you should watch a lot of YouTube’ videos, also go out and see how others do their painting to get a real life experience b4 embarking on this journey.
If you get this right on your car. Trust me, other gigs are gonna come around. Starting with your friends

revilomichaels:
My Take

You’ve never had any experience in painting B4 and that worries me.
From your write up, you’re a man of high taste and you want a clean job.

My brothers that stay abroad handle their issues. Like painting the house, fixing the rooftop and many others.(here, we hire carpenter or a painter)
Don’t know your paste experience, weather you are a handy man i.e A natural in fixing things.

If not, I think you should watch a lot of YouTube’ videos, also go out and see how others do their painting to get a real life experience b4 embarking on this journey.
If you get this right on your car. Trust me, other gigs are gonna come around. Starting with your friends

I tell myself I am a handyman in Nigeria. I am an Engineer by profession but a technician by indulgence.

I take my TV apart before I take it to the street TV repair man. My mechanic thinks I am stingy because he can't do the usual Kazeem with me (they sometimes get away with it)..

My Kitchen cabinet was a friend's idea, he said, "why do you have to pay for this, I trust you, you can do it. Just go to Panteka (Kaduna)". Before anyone knew it, I did my bed, my TV console and planing to do a whole lot.

On this job, I may not achieve the best standards that'll win titles but I know that the outcome won't be worst than the present condition. The only thing I am watching out for is the budget.

I have been reading and many things worry me about the job. As much as I want the result to be impressive, I only want what is acceptable.

Oh, I remember. I was supposed to fix my neighbors child bicycle chain this evening.

Nice

Personally I'd say abort mission, this is a much bigger undertaking than you surmise and actually takes skill to spray a car decently. kinda skill that is acquired over years.


but hey, nothing wrong in a likkle personal DIY


I can only suggest that if you really want to strip down to bare metal to consider chemical stripping instead of manual sanding.


at least to a large extent even paint thinner will do a very good job of stripping which you can then augment with sanding.



Personally i've always thought that if I chose to paint my car, i'd strip it to bare metal myself before giving to a painter.

not a big fan of scraping off the clear coat+ liberal use of bondo that is the signature style of our painters.

it contributes to their shoddy paint jobs in the name of saving a buck

Go for it man. Always use PPE

Egunmogaji2 kindly input on this matter

Adanny01 I am following up on the developments here...

Vivianat:
Egunmogaji2 kindly input on this matter

A man has to know his limitations, I don’t do body work. I install body kits and give the car to a paint shop.

OP, I’m not sure that you can pull this off. If you do though then you might have a side hustle.

Good luck.

cc: adanny01
https://www.nairaland.com/1528899/sienas-mk5-toyota-hilux-customisation/12
A blast from the past, maybe you can learn one or two things

adanny01:


I tell myself I am a handyman in Nigeria. I am an Engineer by profession but a technician by indulgence.

I take my TV apart before I take it to the street TV repair man. My mechanic thinks I am stingy because he can't do the usual Kazeem with me (they sometimes get away with it)..

My Kitchen cabinet was a friend's idea, he said, "why do you have to pay for this, I trust you, you can do it. Just go to Panteka (Kaduna)". Before anyone knew it, I did my bed, my TV console and planing to do a whole lot.

On this job, I may not achieve the best standards that'll win titles but I know that the outcome won't be worst than the present condition. The only thing I am watching out for is the budget.

I have been reading and many things worry me about the job. As much as I want the result to be impressive, I only want what is acceptable.

Oh, I remember. I was supposed to fix my neighbors child bicycle chain this evening.

This is a gift from God, just like music talent. My father got it but I didn’t.

I have faith that you will excel. Remember us when you’re done. We need b4 and after pictures

This is commendable. Its cool you know the theoretical basis of car painting.

Last time I painted my car, I spent much time with the painter to ensure a good paint job. I must admit car painting is no mean feat.

I advise you visit a local paint shop to see how things are done and also plan to get a second hand to assist. If possible pay a painter's apprentice to assist you. You don't want to do this all alone, do you?

Good luck sir.

Watch a good YouTube video get thr necsary tools you will be fine

AutoElectNG:


I wish you the best, but why not build a temp garage with whatever materials you can afford or rent the stuff that can act as one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-mGoUzHeUk


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw0ObOdWnRE


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtph1e--kek


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEZf1tfxepQ

And please share your results

So, after watching these videos and a lot of others. I find myself asking one simple question.

Can the Total Electric Spray Gun be adequate for an average car paint finish?


The only determining factor of this project happening is having an effective and affordable spray gun. Getting an air compressor is out of the question due to budget constraints.

The issue apparently is getting proper atomisation of the paint at a reasonable flow rate. Proper atomisation will reduce the orange peel effect especially during clear coat painting. Good atomisation at fairly high flow rate will speed up painting process.

I also understand the nozzle size is important especially with filler primers. I have not found the nozzle size specification for the spray gun plus it only comes with 1 nozzle as against other manufacturers that include as much as 3.

I am still searching for information on the practicability of this spray gun painting a car before I waste money in buying the spray gun.

Oh, i also realized from watching these videos that our local painters don't do nearly half of the work done to produce a good finish.

The research continues.

Nothing Beats DIY, you go take your time do your own work well

Great, please remember to update this forum with pictures. DIY is a huge hobby in the advanced worlds, that is why you google and you get loads of information. But we here, all we know is to complain about artisans when we could do it our selves. Wish you the best.