Painting my Bird - need help!

[Mike75]

Okay, I'm on a really, really low budget, and am going to attempt to paint my black Bird in 'installments'.

So far, my only plan of attack is to use the recommended primer, as well as the 1020 BLACK Plasti-kote spray paint that you buy at most auto parts stores. I have done some touching up with this paint already, and it matches my current paint very well. Anyhow, I will be painting what I can while it is still off of the car, but want to know about clear coating it. I know that an air compressor would be ideal for this type of application, but are there any alternatives? Any recommendations for this final step?

As I said, my car is already black, but very scratched, dinged, and slightly oxidized in some spots. For the dinged up panels, I am going to replace them with ones I get from the junkyard, after painting them. So some of it will be done off of the car, while some (the roof, trunk, etc.) will have to be done on-the-car.

Any suggestions, aside from the obvious (floating debris, wind, etc.)? My main concern is the clear coat. Thanks in advance!

[Mike75]

*bump*

[CamaroSSBoy346]

i primered my car myself, but i used dupli color paints.

Bottom Line: Take it to Maaco for a $200 job.

[thunderbird muscle]

only take it to Maaco if you do the bodywork and sanding yourself!

[Mike75]

I hear that they don't add a clear coat, tho. This true?

[CamaroSSBoy346]

i dunno if that is true.

Heh, i did all my bodywork and priming myself. lol. I'm set.

[tkhilliard]

if u dont clear and just sigle stage your paint the sun will jjust rip it apart. are any areas ok enough to buff? try 3M perfect-it 3, its really good. if u want a paint thats not real wxpensive but is pretty good try omni, they can match about anything and it has a real easy clearcoat to sand a bit and buff, itll look real slick. i work at a fire apparatus we make firetrucks and i am a painter there. we use PPG delta and del fleet paints, and DCU 2002 clear coat. there a bit more expensive but get a good smooth finish if buffed. and gives a 7 year warrenty through ppg. (youd have to check how it works out though, were licesenced and treat medals before painting). just a few ideas for you

[Mike75]

I will be doing all of the bodywork and priming myself, as well. It's the clear-coat that I'm asking about.

As for your post, tkhilliard - thanks for the ideas. I'll check out the prices, but as I said, I'm on a pretty tight budget - so we'll see.

I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks!