Painting Steps

Hello. I'm basically a newbie here, so I'm going to apologize with a newbie question. I did some searching, but didn't come across what I wanted.

I'm not very talented in model car making. Looking at my collection right now, I've only done....3 painted ones and 1 metal one. On the three painted ones, I brush-painted them, and they're not the greatest.

So, I've got some extra dupli-color "Toreado Red" spray paint. I used it to spray paint a bunch of the interior of my real car that I drive, and have a model waiting to be started. I want to make this one REALLY good, and spray paint it and do all that jazz.

Now, my question is, what are the steps that I need to take to get a nice finish on the body of the car using that paint directly from the spray-can? I'm talking about how to spray the layers on the car, when to sand (if needed), if I need clear, etc. I want to get a nice, shiny, good looking finish on the car. I don't need super-detailed steps to take, but just an overall list of what I need to do so I have an idea of how to do it for my first time.

Thanks!

-Steven

FAQ (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=215864)
scroll down to painting. At least you tried to search. Welcome to AF.

[edit] Damnit. I read that multiple times. I even read that specific how-to. Just forgot about it. :banghead: Grr, ok, thank you. What about sanding though? Don't you need to sand somehow somewhere along the lines so that you keep a smooth coat? If you use spray paint won't you get a rough texture when you're all done?

Also, with duplicolor, do I need clear afterwards? I know I heard you don't need a clear coat if you're using non-flaked paint, but I can't tell if mine is. It doesn't appear to have flakes in it, but it has a "Sparkly" style look to it....

Thanks tho.

well
1. sand the body with 600grit sand paper or better
2. primer sand if needed, primer again if sanded
3. apply first coat of your paint, add or 2 more coats if needed 2 more
4. apply 3 coats of clear with 15min intervals usually three give you a good shine
5. mask your windows an paint the rubbers semigloss black
ps make sure you dont go too thick on your coats give light coats

oh yeah welcome to AF wana join the supra club

Welcome to AF! Don't join the supra club. Just because:-) hehe..Ok. If you are jsut starting to learn a paintcan method, seek out the local heathens and deliquints who know how to tag shit up. They would be of great assistance....

Simply way:
Get a cheapo plastic model you wont mind testing your paint skills on. Primer or not. Shake up teh can like thers no 2moro. Test spray. Start to spray on the model. I go horizontal, form top to bottom. Keep 6-10 inches away. Practice. Practice. Practice. Good luck.

Frank X.

i have discovered(me being a noob to spray painting myself) that mist coats will give you a rough finish, but a good wet coat should give you a real nice finish.