Getting ready to do my first paint job.

[rcx106]

I've fully overhauled my Vitara, and a few of the panels were taken from other vehicles, so need to be repainted, it looks like a Christmas tree right now. It gets used off road and receives regular heavy scratching from branches, many dents from being thrown into banks. So the finish isn't important as such, I just want it one uniform colour, but I also don't want it to look like someones just put a spray can to it. I won't be applying filler.

I've read "How to paint your car" by Dennis Parks. I just want to check I've understood it all. Essentially, in my case:

Any areas of rust remove rust with 80-100 grit
Apply epoxy-primer to any bare metal
500 - 600 grit to scuff the existing factory paint
Apply sealer layer
Load paint gun, tack off, then paint
Gun 6-8" from surface, perpendicular, spray with 50% overlap on each pass.

Does that sound about right?

I'm wondering if it's worth using a two stage paint, ie colour and clear coat. Considering my use, and that 100% colour match isn't important on a rugged looking vehicle, maybe one stage is fine?

Also, whats a decent paint-system/brand to go for? And any paint supply shops in the London area that are recommended?

I have a 3HP compressor and paint gun I got off a friend, non HVLP. I've got a heated garage and humidity, measured today was 30%, which book says is about right.

[BritishRacinGrin]

rcx106 said:

I've got a heated garage and humidity, measured today was 30%, which book says is about right.

You're going to want about 15 celcius as a minimum. I've only used Metalflake for paint, but they seemed competent and reasonably priced.

[7even]

Have you thought about just plastidiping it?