crashmy911

This car had some rust and a crack from the rear corner window almost too the lid for the engine. Every thing was cut out and welded together. Now I have primed everything and gotten it nice and smooth. What is the next step?? How many coats of paint does it usually take to get it nice. Also how do I go about blending the painting that i'm doing into the surronding paint. The paint on the car looks great except for the spots were I found the rust and repaired. So what do I do any experianced body men or painters here??? Thank you for the tips!!!

crashmy911

no one knows anything about painting???

David0514

Here is what I read on the subject. First make sure the surface is perfectly smooth. If any rough spots, they will show up worse after painted. Several light coats, sand out with fine sandpaper any imperfections . Before the last coat, sand lightly with emory paper(I believe that the name)and then apply last coat. I assume you are spraying. Just remember very light coats, also I have done with success moving the painting tape slightly to avoid any paint buildup lines. After sanding, also remember to rinse with soap and water to remove any dust. After last coat drys spray clear coat (two or three light coats). After that dries, rub area and surrounding area with rubbing compound (next day), and remember to rub softly actual area painted and surrounding area to help the blend. Be careful, the stuff can sand off paint pretty fast. Hope this helps. also, in the Haynes book there should be a whole section on this if you would like to double check my instructions, I have done in the past with success. Funny though, I just sent my car off last night to have an area painted. There was also a dent involved though. Good luck

bds1

Here is the bad news:

You and me an amature cannot blend paint, let alone mix it to get the correct color. You will never get the same color as the rest of your car.....simple....sorry for the bad news.

Professionals have paint matching kits and knowledge. I have painted a number of cars and they look good, but not professional. ALos the additives that you need to use are downright nasty and expensive.

Steve, 914 guy

I manage a bodyshop. Painted for 10 years.
Email your phone #, I'll explain it to you, it's too lengthy a process to describe with my poor typing skills.
Steve

pbs911

Here is a BBS with tons of info.
<a href="http://autobodystore.com/discussi.htm" target="_blank">http://autobodystore.com/discussi.htm</a>

bds1

Hey thanks for the link to the painting link. I wish I had bought the "hobby air system"! The price is right to protect those LUNGS!

Sean Hamilton

I cant imagine why you'd want to give this a crack yourself, unless you don't mind the inevitable armature result
If it's a small area, non-metallic and with the right preparation and equipment, you'd probably get a pretty reasonable job - if, you can get a pro to do the paint colour match. If it is metallic - forget it! <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />
leave this fine art to the pro's.

David0514

Hey, I beg to differ on doing it yourself. I had the so called experts blend my paint to have it not match. But, I do think it would be easier having them match since they already have all the colors to play with. As far as painting goes, I do not think it is rocket science. Buy a book, read, practice and do. If you want to let the experts tell you it too hard to do, go ahead and give them your money. Quick story. Just bought car, and don't even know where the alternator on the thing is. Bring to shop, mechanic tells me it is a big job, being gullible I let him do the work which he bills me for 5.5 hrs. Well Alternator fails a month later, not having any more money I attempt myself and complete and 1-1/2 hrs to 2hrs. Easy job, moral of the story is that most of this stuff is not that difficult if you do your research and practice. Do not be shy to ask questions and don't be afraid of failure, thats usually when we learn. Don't let others tell you what you can and can't do and know your limits. Hey, if you fail, take off and try again. Hell, I am considering painting my whole car in a couple years. At first I was nervous about how would I get the glass out, but then yesterday I came across how to in that "101 Projects for your 911" book. Didn't seem that bad.
Things like this are worth trying, especially if you already have the compressor. It will be rewarding upon completion and if you fail, you are not going to kill anyone because you screwed up. Worst come to worst, take to expert and have clean up the mess and correct. Sorry for the preaching, it just bothers me when others put ideas in our head that are not totally out of our reach. Good luck with what ever you decide.

Sean Hamilton

Sorry I "bothered" you David.
IMHO I guess I hold "Porsche" as being far more deserving than anything other than a pro' finish.(especially when it comes to metallic paint)

I also have a 40 year old Triumph TR4 which I'll give almost anything a go myself and I'm proud of the pretty good results that I achieve - paint, mechanical and trim.
There are fellow club members that gawk at me with incredulity when I reveal that I did this or that myself - not at my skill (or lack of) but rather they too wouldn't contemplate the risk of armature results on a "Triumph TR"???
Still, sitting up close and personal beside her peers on the concours paddock I can see the small imperfections compared to the pro finished cars - and they're the ones coming away with the trophies.

I've had my Porsche professionally re-painted in her original Hellblaumetallic colour recently and I'm very satisfied with the result.

Each to his own.

David0514

Sean, I apoligize for offending you. It's really too unimportant an issue to get upset about. My mistake. Good luck to you and your cars. Take care.

David

bds1

Hey we are talking a SC...why not have it done right. I have never, ever had any of my cars in the shop, I hang engines from trees! But when it comes to a professional paint matching "you gotta know your limit". Now it is possible to do a complete re-paint that will look pretty good. With the dangerous products avaiilable today you can apply, wet sand and buff...it will look great with patience. But matching color you need alot of time and skill and materials.