Cheap Paint Prep

[brosama]

[MENTION=65101]BrianSD_42[/MENTION], let's agree to disagree then, bro. I've found that the "auto-grade" paints are watered down and overpriced. You're never really going to get an "auto-grade" look from a can; so why pay 2-3 times more? For me, I'll stick with rusto for my rigs

I guess my point for "cheap paint prep" was more around using 400 grit with tack cloth and acetone.

While certainly not perfect, I got decent results that were quite durable from what I listed above:

 

[Coastal616]

Only as in that's all you do? Or are you saying you sand like the OP and then clean with the wax and grease remover?

I need to paint my truck too and looking for any short cuts that may be acceptable. It doesn't have to be perfect for me to be happy with it but I want it to last atleast 5 years before doing it again.

Sorry, I meant only as in it's the only product I will use before painting. Read the tech sheet of whatever paint you are spraying for more prep details. The paint I used required sanding to 280 grit before spraying.

And short cuts don't work with painting cars. lol

 

[Brentif]

I haven't heard of anyone having a pre-cut vinyl for the hood, but you could always just get a sheet, stretch it across, squeegee, then trim on the underside of the hood.

 

[Millerad1651]

Ya, the only vinyl I've seen is this...pretty expensive for what it is.
Toyota 4Runner 3rd Gen Hood Blackout

Not sure how much a sheet large enough for the hood is. But info know it'd be a harder install than plasti-dip.

 

[cj80cruiser]

Sorry, I meant only as in it's the only product I will use before painting. Read the tech sheet of whatever paint you are spraying for more prep details. The paint I used required sanding to 280 grit before spraying.

And short cuts don't work with painting cars. lol

Yeah well if you were getting by with something I wanted to know about it. :biggrin2:

 

[lilreds21]

Oooo [MENTION=75483]Millerad1651[/MENTION] you gave me a great idea for my 96!

 

[Brentif]

Ya, the only vinyl I've seen is this...pretty expensive for what it is.
Toyota 4Runner 3rd Gen Hood Blackout

Not sure how much a sheet large enough for the hood is. But info know it'd be a harder install than plasti-dip.

If people are interested I can call my old work and see what the cost would be on a sheet of flat black vehicle wrap would be. This can be installed without water, it can be picked back up too if it isn't set right as you go. Really forgiving material, that is very very easy to keep bubble free. Shoot me a PM if this interests you.

Brent

 

[BrianSD_42]

[MENTION=98743]brosama[/MENTION],

1) your pickup looks bad@ss

2) we can disagree - its cool

3) I still think that while your satin tan paint looks fine from the pics you posted, gloss green or gloss black from a rattle can will not look that great

4) I don't understand the watered down comment, especially since it is oil paint

 

[brosama]

[MENTION=65101]BrianSD_42[/MENTION] - thanks! I agree that gloss out of a can will never look quite right (at least on larger surface areas). Does that also hold for the auto-grade paint you refer to?

My use of watered-down is imprecise; when I used the paint before it was thin and it didn't seem to get good coverage (as if it wasn't shaken properly, although it was) whereas rustoleum comes out thick and powerful so it's easy for me to get a good coat down. Maybe I'm just jaded because a few years back I tried the more expensive auto paint and I got the results I described; I felt like I got burned on the deal. Maybe I tried the wrong brand? For small OEM color touch ups that require a little spray, what brand do you recommend?

I'm far from an expert here, my experience is mainly with trail rigs, de-chroming, undercarriage, wheels, and miscellaneous crap. So maybe that's why rustoleum has always been the best fit for me. I swear, I'm not a brand nazi, I'm just a creature of habit

 

[99 sr5 highlander]

I would suggest finding a paint supplier for body shops arround your town. They have the industrial stuff and not the gimmicky DIY spray paints with special names to make them seem right for the job. Much better to invest 30-50 bucks on the right materials than go cheap and end up with a crappy product. IMHO.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Well my own experience is that even auto move paint, when dirt cheap doesn't last.

I used the $3 can of SEM's lowest line of paint and it faded bad.

But I used their $8.5 Trim satin black, 2 coats and it has held up great for 2 years.

I only have used rustolium on yard stuff.