How to Use Cheap Single Stage Paint on Used Cars
- 1). Sand the entire car with 400 grit sandpaper to remove the top layer of paint or clear coat already on the car. The new paint won't adhere to the smooth surface of the old paint. Sand until the car looks dull and all of the glossy paint has been sanded.
- 2). Place masking tape and paper on every area of the car that won't be painted. Cover the glass on the windows and windshield, mirrors, door handles, key holes, trim, tires, wheels and lights. Wipe the car's surface with wax and grease remover and then wipe with a towel to remove any fingerprints or wax residue that can harm the dried finish of the new paint.
- 3). Apply spray can primer to the surface, holding the can 6 to 8 inches from the surface and making the strokes left to right, not up and down. Use one coat, just enough to get an even coat on the car's surface and to cover up the old surface. Let the primer dry for 30 minutes.
- 4). Spray 3 thin coats of the single stage paint onto the car's surface, using the same spraying techniques used with the primer. Let each coat dry for 5 minutes before spraying the next one. Keep the coats thin so the paint doesn't run, but make sure the paint covers the last coat. Let the final coat dry for 4 to 5 hours before handling the surface.
