To have your car looking as good as new with spray paint needn’t be hard, simply follow our ten step process beneath.
The best way to obtain an exact match of your car’s paint colour is to look in the manual. Within here you should find the exact factory paint code, if you are unable to find the paint code within the manual then asking a local dealership or car parts shop should provide the answers.
Failing this, a number of dedicated spray paint retailers provide a colour matching service. This enables for an exact match of your car’s colour to be obtained, even if the paintwork on the body is faded or has lost some of its gloss due to aging.
Even if you have obtained the exact match of your car’s factory paint code, it may not match the coating of your car’s bodywork as it may have changed slightly due to factors associated with the aging process, such as becoming lighter due to exposure to sunlight. Again testing it prior to application will avoid disappointment.
Once you are satisfied that your spray paint matches the colour of your car’s bodywork, you are ready to prepare the scratch and the area surrounding it for recoating. The first stage in this process is to clean the scratched area. In order to do this you will need a cloth, mild soap and some water. Then, gently clean the scratch and surrounding area using the cloth, ensure that it is damp but not overly wet.
To do this you will require a can of spray based degreaser and a clean rag. Take the rag and apply degreaser to it, then apply gently to the scratched area. This will ensure that any grease or wax which may have entered the scratch is removed.
In order to complete this process you will require a toothpick. Take it and gently run it along the edges of the scratch. If you find any loose paint during this process, gently push it off using the toothpick. This process is essential, as in order to provide the best results, it is imperative that the spray coating is applied to a fixed, static foundation.
In the case of larger scratches, then simply use a section of 1200 grit wet and dry sandpaper which is of an appropriate size. In both cases, take the sandpaper and wet it slightly, then gently rotate of the scratched area until smooth.
This time cleaning should be done using a foam swab and denatured alcohol. Take the swab and dip it lightly in the alcohol, then apply to the scratched area in gentle circular motions. Ensure that the area is allowed to dry properly before proceeding.
If not metal is exposed as a result of your scratch then this step is not required. In cases where metal is exposed then you will require a toothpick and some primer. Application of the primer is simple, take the toothpick and gently dip it into the primer. Then place the toothpick in the centre of the exposed metal area, allow the primer to run from the toothpick until it fills the exposed metalwork.
Ensure that enough primer is used to fill the exposed metal, whilst ensuring that you don’t apply too much. Too much primer has been used if it begins to overflow at the sides and edges of the scratch. Once satisfied, the primer should be allowed to dry for between 2 to 3 hours.
In order to protect the car from overspray, take some newspaper and tape. Apply the newspaper to the areas susceptible to overspray, use tape to hold it in place. If the area is too small to be effectively covered in this way, just use tape.
Once the car has been sufficiently protected from overspray you are ready to apply the spray paint. When using spray paint, the most effective process of application is short bursts in a side to side motion. This process not only prevents paint from building up it also prevents excess paint from overrunning on the edges, to provide a nice even coating.
Do not worry about trying to cover the entirety of the scratch during the first coating. Some of the grey primer may still show following the first coat, this is fine. Prior to applying the first coating wait for the advised time, as shown on the side of the paint can, this is usually 10-15 minutes. Once this time has passed apply a second coating, some primer may still show, this is fine.
The key is to apply a number thin, even coatings, it is important to take your time. Heavy coatings can undermine the whole process leaving your car looking messy and uneven.
The second stage of this step is to buff the area using polish. This can be achieved using a machine, or using polish and a clean cloth gently applied to the area in circular motions.
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