Paint

wnyman10 · Oct 7, 2024

So I wanna take the plunge and try to paint. My 94 bumpers are awful so I started to sand them down. I started with the back and got it pretty good but there were allot of micro cracks and chips so unfortunately to get those out I burned through a few times. Then I started on the front where there was this weird area where the primer was showing so i sanded that and within seconds I ran into a ton of what almost looked like jb weld. It wasn't body filler it was some kind of glue holding a crack together. So i said screw it and ordered a new bumper cover. So I have never painted before in my entire life, I have painted tons with rattle cans but I want to do this with a gun. I have a garage and a big air compressor and a nice LVLP gun. My question is what do I need or at least a baseline. I don't want to go to the autobody supply store and make a fool of myself. I figured I need urethane primer, my basecoat and clear, As well as the reducer etc. Am I on the right path, Also does anyone know how much product ill need to do the back and front bumper covers?

ttocs · Oct 8, 2024

I decided to try mine myself last time. don't forget a filter/dryer set up, they can get expensive quick. How big is your compressor? I have a 60 gallon and it was running nearly constantly to keep up. Even on small parts you will want to be able to do a complete coat without it dying or you will end up with a textured paint that will need to be sanded smooth. I would recommend getting an old fender/hood to play with a little so you can figure out what pressure and distance/speed of movement works for you. Don't let your bumper be the test piece or you will be sorry.

My honest learning from doing it myself is that I don't want to do it again and will pay the premium myself....

Daryl · Oct 8, 2024

I agree with ttocs’ sentiments. And I get why you want to try your hand at it (very commendable), but by the time you buy everything you’ll need, it will likely meet or exceed the price of having a pro do it. There’s gotta be a shop or two in WNY that’ll do it for a ca$h price as a bench job.

You might still be ahead of the game if you provide them with two new bumper covers, saving a lot of expensive shop labor time. I think once you see the final result, you’ll be glad you went this route. I did this recently on my front bumper cover.

ttocs · Oct 8, 2024

the prep normally takes 2x as long as the paint process. If you are bringing them new parts that they neither need to take off or put back on the prep for them should be little more than putting them on a stand and mixing the paint.

badass98svt · Oct 8, 2024

If you have the money and means, I say go for it. It's a skill you will use more as life goes on. Black isnt a bad one to match either.

I'd definitely do some practicing first before going straight to your bumpers.
If you DO take the bumpers somewhere for paint, bring them your fuel door also, so they can match it as best they can.

wnyman10 · Oct 8, 2024

My compressor is a 60-gallon 40 psi is 13.4 cfm so it should keep up with LVLP gun. It is a filter, drier. I also have an oil water separator at the gun. I must admit I am wavering. This car is for my stepson. When he turns 16, the body isn't in the best shape. I just wanted to paint the bumpers because they were quite faded. I'm not looking for show quality. Honestly, a few steps above rattle can would be good. I assume he is going to scratch them or bump into something anyway. I just wanted them to look presentable and if I can learn on this project and get better maybe 1 day i can do something i really want to look nice long term.

ttocs · Oct 8, 2024

well heck if ya got all the gear then at the least get some cheap paint and a old fender and give it a shot(literally). While it isn't as easy as they make it look on tv it isn't something you need a 4 yr degree for. Worst case scenario on the test panel if your not happy is to strip it and try a different pressure/speed/distance. I was glad I did as my first test panel was crap and I had to strip it.

wnyman10 · Oct 8, 2024

ttocs said:
well heck if ya got all the gear then at the least get some cheap paint and a old fender and give it a shot(literally). While it isn't as easy as they make it look on tv it isn't something you need a 4 yr degree for. Worst case scenario on the test panel if your not happy is to strip it and try a different pressure/speed/distance. I was glad I did as my first test panel was crap and I had to strip it.

Thank you for the advice! Make me feel a bit more confident.

I'm just gonna use the old cracked bumper cover as my test go.

ttocs · Oct 8, 2024

check youtube and it can help you learn a little more about it but honestly it is one of those things you need to do hands on to really learn.

Daryl · Oct 8, 2024

wish I’d have known that sooner! LOL But if it’s just a dress-over have at it like badass said: good practice!

Pallgor · Oct 9, 2024

I work in a body shop. I’ll be honest. It’s not going to be easy. Too much too write on this thread. Starting with the proper sand paper to what paint line to use. Do yourself a favor and watch some YouTube videos. Idiom y bumpers last summer. I cheated by leaving them on the car

Pallgor · Oct 9, 2024

Slice · Oct 14, 2024

wnyman10 said:
So I wanna take the plunge and try to paint. My 94 bumpers are awful so I started to sand them down. I started with the back and got it pretty good but there were allot of micro cracks and chips so unfortunately to get those out I burned through a few times. Then I started on the front where there was this weird area where the primer was showing so i sanded that and within seconds I ran into a ton of what almost looked like jb weld. It wasn't body filler it was some kind of glue holding a crack together. So i said screw it and ordered a new bumper cover. So I have never painted before in my entire life, I have painted tons with rattle cans but I want to do this with a gun. I have a garage and a big air compressor and a nice LVLP gun. My question is what do I need or at least a baseline. I don't want to go to the autobody supply store and make a fool of myself. I figured I need urethane primer, my basecoat and clear, As well as the reducer etc. Am I on the right path, Also does anyone know how much product ill need to do the back and front bumper covers?

I'm like you I would want to do it myself but I think you'll be sweating bullets to get it to look decent and once it's done you're going to be looking directly at that every time you walk up to the car. Probably best to bite the bullet and get the pros to do it. If you supply the bumpers to them loose they don't have to spend time masking your car off. Also a few months after the pain of spending the money is gone you'll be really happy every time you look at your bumpers.