Anyone ever done a DIY fix (Paintwork scratc,fix, spray) ???

[ehi]

hi guys
I got a few minor scratches on my car with a slight dent, but the dent has disappeared after someone pushed it back out.

I got a few quotes for the repair

1. Main garages quoting £300 - 500 ( 5 quotes)

2. Smaller corner side garages quoting £120 (a gym buddy) and £1280 - 250)


while shopping I saw a spray can for £2 and did a bit of research and saw a number of good reviews on DIY.


Has anyone tried it out ? I am thinking I have nothing to loose experimenting on my car, as if it goes wrong, I can always go back to any of the garages to get it done properly

What do you guys think ?

I have

1. Colour matching spray from halfords (metalic paint)
2. 1200 grip abrasive papers
3. Filler and hardner
4. spatula
5. Sand paper
6. Primer


thanks
E

[DuraAce]

Depends on the value of the car to me.

£500 snotter? Knock yourself out.

£100k Porsche? Not a chance.

It'll probably look OK from a distance but gash close up.

For £200 I would pay somebody to sort it.

[jds32]

Could potentially cost you more if you have a go yourself don't like the result then take it to the body shop as they will have to undo what you have done.

[Darkslider]

I've tried multiple times from rattle cans to pro mixed paint through a spray gun in a heated polythene tent spray booth. Never had a result I'm happy with despite hours of prep and seemingly following the exact same procedure as the pros in their YouTube videos. Makes me quite despondent thinking about it

[Andy 308GTB]

Darkslider said:

I've tried multiple times from rattle cans to pro mixed paint through a spray gun in a heated polythene tent spray booth. Never had a result I'm happy with despite hours of prep and seemingly following the exact same procedure as the pros in their YouTube videos. Makes me quite despondent thinking about it

This.

My daily drivers tend to be be snotters and I happily DIY any paintwork. I have never looked at my work and thought it was perfect, as has been said, it was OK from 10', sometimes even closer but never perfect. On other cars, I'll do bits and pieces but I'd never try and paint a panel or part of panel.

[steveo3002]

lower corner of a bumper or door edge , yeah maybe can get it acceptable , you wont be aerosoling the top half of the car and getting nice results

if its an end of life £500 car then crack on , if it has any value then chances are it will look worse and then cost more to have done right

[ehi]

steveo3002 said:

if its an end of life £500 car then crack on , if it has any value then chances are it will look worse and then cost more to have done right

Interesting and sensible advice. thank you

I had bought a similar colour from halfords and would test it on part of the engine or beneath the driver's mirror