Anybody know any paticularly good materials to read on how to paint? Any paaticular websites that can help? Im going to try to paint my 69 and I have some of the eqipment(air compressor and a empty two car garage) some knowledge but I could use some help, I.E materials, color sanding, layers, etc. Should I even try this at home? Any info is appreciated.

Very good question.....
This is something I have always wanted to learn about also...but it is so intimidating...

Ragtop or Austin...what are your thoughts?

Subscribe to the car mags ( Hot Rod, Chevy High Performance, etc.) they have painting and body work articles periodically. Go to a library and ask if they have back issues of the mags. There are also several books and videos available from Classic Industires and others. Painting and bodywork is something that can not be easily picked up by reading or watching videos, your best bet would be to find someone experienced and see if they would be willing to physically show/help you. Practice, experience, and patience are what it takes to be proficient at body work and painting.

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68SS ZZ4, 4sp T-10, 12 bolt, getting painted

78Z28, 330hp vortec, TH350, 10 bolt (just finished)

I don't really know of any book personally, I know there are a few out there. I'm sure some have some good info, but most of the times when I read the mags I laugh. To someone thats "green" for starters I would suggest getting a good DA (hutchens or comparable) a cheap DA jumps all over the place and can screw up your work.
The metal and filler work takes along time to truly get the "feel" for and is also the most important part for a great looking finished product. Using guide coats when doing filler blocking, and primer blocking can help you see what you might not be able to feel (a guide coat is when you spray on a light coat of a dark spray paint over primer or body filler before you finish block sanding).
For products I would just say stick to a major brand (PPG, DuPont, Sikkens, ect.) and get there best or second best line and buy everything from that same company (primers, sealers, basecoats, and clears). If anything I said didn't make sense to you let me know, sometimes I forget others don't understand some terms I use.
Austin

Practice makes perfect, and with a big emphasis on practice. Its not something that can be learned from a book. Personally, Ive been doing this for more years than I care to count, and Im still practicing cause the paint manufacturers are always changing things faster than I can grasp it. The best reading material I think would come from the paint co's. tech sheets? Ya,No? I dont read em personally.

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67 Camaro SS Conv.
70 Challenger R/T Conv.

There's a site a lot like this one at www.paintucation.com (http://www.paintucation.com) - might be worth checking out.

what about a vo.tech.in your area? take some classes,atleast to learn the basics.just an idea...

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My68Camaro (http://hometown.aol.com/Dougs68Camaro/index.html)
Doug G.
68 Camaro
406 ci.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by derekf:
There's a site a lot like this one at www.paintucation.com (http://www.paintucation.com) - might be worth checking out.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I thought I'd pick back up on this old thread and see if anyone has bought or viewed these videos? They look good for the guy just starting out.

Many home paint jobs can turn out very nice. The real key to a great paint job is preparation, preparation and more preparation!

If you are bent on doing this yourself I would find some different objects to practice painting on, maybe get some junk fenders , bumpers etc. from a body shop. This will give you a feel for the gun and how best to work with the intended paint product. Experience is the key to success.

You might also go to a body shop and ask if you can watch the painters in action. You may pick up some tips along the way. One thing you never want to do is put the paint on too heavy (as in one or two coats!). Just like with a spray can you want to give several complete, thin coats. This can help eliminate runs and long drying times, plus give a much more even looking finish. The most important thing is that if you mess up (runs, drips, orange peel), don't try to fix it while its wet. Finish what you are doing elsewhere and let it dry completely; then try to fix it!

I do believe CarCraft had a good article on DIY paint jobs about 8 months ago. See if you can access that issue online!

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See my '68 RS/ZZ4 (http://www.100megsfree.com/choptop/camaro.html)

[This message has been edited by choptop (edited 09-17-2002).]

Another excellent source is http://www.autobodystore.com/cgi-bin/config.pl? where you will find the most active forum on auto body and paint that I know of. BUT you won't find the Camaro experts so don't forget about here! Len at the autobodystore.com also has videos that I hear are very good, material and equipment too at great prices. He has the Hobby air fresh air resporator system for the best price I have ever seen. Check him out.

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1965 Buick Gran Sport Conv.
1965 Buick Skylark h/t
Fan of anything that is interesting and moves human beings.
1965 Buick Gran Sport Convertible
1965 Buick Skylark H/T
1948 Chevy PU with 401 Buick

"How to Paint a Hot Rod" Written by Boyd Coddington. Excellent book utilziing PPG products. they have good suggestions on body work and a lot of useful tips on painting. I got it at Barnes and Noble. The title might vary a little. I'll actually be painting in the next few weeks. Wish me luck



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Budget Pro-touring 68.
www.touringcamaro.com

I wrote an article awhile back for my car club and here entitled "How I painted my car with show car results" It's yours for the asking, just click on my e-mail icon and I will be happy to send it to any of you. I'm not a professional, but I feel I did a professional job. I tried to word it a way to help the firstimer.

John

Read John Doyles article. Well written good stuff on paint.