How to Spray Paint Like a Pro

In this article you will learn the best way to spray paint anything from wood frames auto parts.

Things You'll Need

  • primer
  • spray paint
  • microfiber towl
  • 300 grit sandpaper
  • 800, 1000,1200,1500 grit wetsand paper
  • 2000 grit wetsand paper
  • clearcoat
  • rubbing compound
  • medium cut polish
  • wax
  • Start by removing the part that needs to be painted. (You can also tape around it, but be careful about overs pray)

  • Sand the part with the 300 grit sand paper until the surface is a little rough. This is necessary for the primer to bond with the surface. After sanding wipe down the part with micro fiber cloth.

  • Lightly spray the part with primer. A few light coats are better than one heavy coat. Make sure to allow proper drying time between coats.

  • After a few light coats of primer have been applied, wetsand with the 800 grit sandpaper. After wet sanding, wipe again with micro fiber cloth.

  • Now it is time to apply the color. When spraying the spray paint make sure to use smooth even passes across what is being painted. Do not start painting on top of the part because the paint will be heavier in that area. When painting you want to press and release the button to the side of the product being painted. Again a few light coats are better than one heavy one and make sure to allow proper drying time between coats.

  • After you are satisfied with the color, wetsand with 800 grit sandpaper and then wipe with micro fiber cloth.

  • Now it is time for the clear coat. Spray the clear coat the same way as the spray paint. Only one or two light coats are needed. Allow the clear coat plenty of time to dry as this is the layer that you will see most. You don't want any fingerprints on your final surface!

  • After the clear coat has had more than enough time to dry, You now want to wetsand with the 800 grit, then the 1000 grit, then 1200, then 1500, and finally the 2000 grit sandpaper. This should remove any heavier spots in the clear coat and will polish your painted product up very nicely.

  • Next you need to remove the scratches left by the 2000 grit. For this you will need to buff the surface with rubbing compound.

  • Now you need to buff the surface with a medium cut polish to give the surface a nice glassy look.

  • Whether it be exterior or interior parts that have been painted, I always add a couple coats of wax to the surface. This acts as a protectant to the clearcoat and gives it a nice smooth feel and also helps repel dirt.