Cummins Freak

anyone intersted in painting my 97 2500 ext. cab long bed or at least teaching me how to paint using my own truck

blackdiesel

dad tought me how to paint. And it is a very involved process. i mean very very involved (that is, if you do it right) the acual painting is easy. Its the preperation that gets ya. Its really not possible to "teach" someone how to paint on a forum. It's a lot easier to see and learn instead of read and learn.

schaef_12

Blackdiesel is right, but man I sure wish is was as simple as slapping some paint on with a brush like I used to do with my models. If that were the case I would have painted alot of things by now.

Fronty Owner

assuming you have the prep work done. go buy an old hood and a sheet of plywood along with a gallon of cheap frame paint (I got some for $9/gal).
Use the plywood to get your overlap right and learn how to spray an even coat.
Use the hood to learn how to work around curves and how not to run on a slick, non absorbant surface.
Past that, its just keep the surface absolutely clean all the time. That means control dust, overspray, fingerprints, bugs, everything off the surface until its cured.

greasemonki

painting is about 90% prep. I have been taught, and teach kids at work how to paint, anybody with movable wrists and fingers can lay paint, just need to take your time and learn how the paint coats. Its really something that can only be learned, not taught. Best way is to get some practice projects. You'll be able to see how even the slightest imperfections and dirt can ruin the paint, and you'll be able to see how varying your technique changes the way the pain lays. You'll be out the cost of materials, but gain a wealth of knowledge along the way.

Jambbii

I have painted my truck twice and I think anyone can do it with patience. Like everyone said prep is key, you can fix paint if its not smooth (i.e. color sanding). What stage are you at now?

Cummins Freak

i know nothing im at the stage that my truck needs to be repainted, bc it has two tone with the crappy silver stripe down the middle and its pealing off the whole truc. That and it needs new doors because of the pinch welds being gone from MN salt. so i have no idea where to sand or even start

Fronty Owner

do you need the truck as a daily driver?
Do you need to do any weld repairs to the cab?

Cummins Freak

yeah i dd the truck but while its in the process of painting i would find another car and no i wouldn't need any welding done why

Spooler

Automotive painting is practice, practice, practice. Yeah, everybody can paint but only a few can do it right. Better than a factory paint job. Yes, the prep. work is where it all comes in. The canvas has to be perfect. Not close, PERFECT!!!!! Every imperfection will show up when paint is applied. To keep straight area's straight I use an old trick. I rap the sandpaper around a paint paddle stir stick when wet sanding. Will cut it to length depending on the size of the area.

Cummins Freak

man this is begining to sound like id better leave all the prep to the paint shop dang i was going to try and save myself some money not paying them all those hours for the prep dang

2500CTD

There was thread about a guy who painted his car with a roller, and no you couldnt tell.