What Are the Main Steps in Automotive Painting?

[DelLuke]

Automotive painting involves the following steps: 1. Cleaning, Assessment, and Masking: After thoroughly washing the vehicle, identify the type of existing coating, assess the extent of damage to the workpiece, and determine the repair process. 2. Masking and Degreasing: Protect the surrounding areas of the damaged part with masking paper, and degrease the areas that require sanding. 3. Removing Old Paint and Feathering Edges: Select the appropriate grit sandpaper and sander to remove the old paint from the damaged area and create feathered edges. 4. Applying Body Filler: After cleaning and degreasing the workpiece, apply an appropriate amount of body filler and dry it using an infrared lamp. 5. Sanding the Filler and Old Coating: Use a sander or sanding block with suitable sandpaper to smooth the filler. If additional filler is needed, apply it promptly to avoid rework due to filler issues later. After smoothing the filler, roughen the surrounding old coating with P360 sandpaper using a dual-action sander. 6. Cleaning, Degreasing, and Masking: After sanding, blow away dust with an air gun, wipe the area around the filler with degreaser, and mask the parts to be sprayed with primer. 7. Spraying Primer: If there are exposed metal areas, apply rust-proof primer first. Once the rust-proof primer is dry, spray two to three layers of mixed primer and then bake it. 8. Applying Guide Coating and Sanding Primer: After the primer is completely dry, apply or spray a guide coating, then sand the primer smooth with appropriate sandpaper and sander. Inspect immediately after sanding; fill any pinholes or fine scratches with fine filler or two-component filler before sanding again. 9. Sanding Transition Areas: Depending on the damage, choose the repair process—such as panel repair—which may require sanding adjacent areas like the fender and door. After sanding the primer, wet other parts of the fender and front door with a spray bottle, then evenly sand with a P1500 equivalent scouring pad and blending compound until the surface is matte. 10. Cleaning: After sanding and inspection, rinse the fender surface with clean water and dry it. 11. Masking and Degreasing: Use masking paper and tape to protect surrounding parts like the fender and front door, then thoroughly clean and degrease the fender again.

[XavierLee]

Having sprayed my car several times, I've learned that the key to a good paint job lies in a few crucial steps. First, thoroughly clean the car body with water and car wash soap to remove all dirt and grease, otherwise the new paint may peel off easily. Next, carefully sand the surface with sandpaper to remove old paint and uneven areas—the smoother, the better. Then, apply a primer, which enhances the adhesion of the new paint and provides rust protection. I find canned spray paint convenient for this step. Once the primer is dry, spray the main color coat, ensuring even coverage and avoiding spraying too quickly to prevent drips or bubbles. After that, add a clear coat—a transparent layer that protects the color and adds gloss. Let it dry naturally for several hours. Finally, polish the surface with a polishing compound to achieve a mirror-like finish. The biggest challenge is avoiding dust interference, so it's best to work in a dust-free environment and regularly check for evenness and smoothness. Proper attention to detail not only enhances aesthetics but also extends the car's visual lifespan.

[FinleyAnn]

I remember last month when I painted my car, the steps were quite clear. First, I thoroughly cleaned the car body to ensure no dust or grease remained. Next, I sanded the old paint, using fine sandpaper to smooth out surface imperfections bit by bit. Then, I applied the primer, which serves as the foundation to enhance the adhesion of the new paint. After that, I sprayed the main color paint, carefully selecting the color and ensuring even coverage. Immediately following, I added a clear coat for protection and gloss. Finally, I let it dry and polished it. Throughout the process, I carefully managed the timing, allowing at least half a day between each step to ensure thorough drying. I found that sanding and spraying were the key steps, and having the right tools prepared made the job easier and the results better. After painting, the car body looked much brighter and was also protected from rust. Regular maintenance like washing and waxing can help preserve the finish longer.

[NathanLee]

Car painting isn't too complicated from what I understand, mainly a few steps to get it done. Preparation involves cleaning and sanding to remove the old paint. After that, primer is applied to improve adhesion. Next, the main color paint is evenly coated. Then, a clear coat is applied for protection and gloss. Finally, after drying, polishing is done. For daily practice, avoid painting in windy environments to ensure a smooth finish.

[GiannaMarie]

As a beginner, pay attention to these steps when learning car painting. First, thoroughly clean the car body to remove dirt and grease. Then sand the surface smooth to eliminate old paint. Apply primer to enhance adhesion and prevent rust. Next, spray the main color paint evenly with careful color selection. Add a clear coat for gloss protection. Finally, dry and polish for a smooth finish. Ensure each step has adequate drying time, preferably working indoors to avoid contamination. Mastering these basics maintains your car's appearance economically.