Before applying a fresh coat of paint, you need to remove old paint from your car.If there is no old paint beneath the new paint, it will stick better and last longer.You can save money by stripping the paint yourself, rather than having it professionally removed.If you bought a new car that only has one layer of paint, you should use sandpaper to remove it all.Continue until you reach bare metal.If you don't know if the car has been painted before, you can use a chemical stripper.Put it on your car.Take the old paint off.Sand and wash the job after it is done.
Step 1: Wear goggles, a dust mask, gloves, long sleeves and pants.
Dust and debris are thrown into the air by electric sanding.Wear goggles and a dust mask to protect your face.If you get cut, wear heavy work gloves.No debris gets stuck in your skin if you cover all your exposed skin with your clothes.There is a well-ventilated area.It's best to be outside.If you are in a garage, keep the door open.If you see falling debris, spread a sheet under the car.
Step 2: Load a dual-action sander.
A dual-action sander uses compressed air.The 40-grit sandpaper is coarse.This removes the top layer of paint.There is a hardware store that sells sanders.You can use a grinder as well.The paint is stripped off much faster.It can damage the metal.Don't hover over one spot and keep the grinder moving.An electric sander is not an option.This is a lot of work, but you will save money.If you own a classic car, sanding by hand is a better option.You can use the same sanding block for the electric sander.
Step 3: Start by sanding the hood.
The easiest surface to sand is the hood or roof.The sander should be started and pressed down on the car surface.The sander could be damaged by leaning it to one side.As you move, slide the sander across the car and let it grind off the paint.White primer and bare metal can be seen if the car has only been painted once.Spend more time on each section if there are multiple paint layers.Some spots are more difficult than others.If the paint won't come off in one spot, use the sander to work it off.The sandpaper needs to be replaced when it gets dull.It doesn't strip the paint after a while.It is time for a new piece of paper.
Step 4: To get to tighter areas, open the doors, hood, and trunk.
Once you've tackled the larger areas, move on to tight areas like the ones around the doors.To get to these, try opening doors and the trunk.To fit your sander into these areas, angle it.You can protect the interior of your car by covering it with a sheet.If there are areas you can't reach, use a sand block on them.
Step 5: Sand with 120, 220, and 400-grit paper.
After wiping the car down, use a moist rag to remove any dust.Load the paper onto the sander.There is another round of sanding with 120, 220, and 400grit paper.Before each sanding session, wipe the car down.The oxidation and rust can't be seen with the naked eye.A new paint layer could be damaged if these are left on the car's surface.
Step 6: You should wash your car.
Give the car a good wash after you have sanded it down to its bare metal.Allow the car to dry completely.You can wash the car with soap and water instead of using mineral spirits.Continue painting the car after all the paint is off.Primer should be applied as soon as the car is dry to prevent rusting.
Step 7: There is a plastic sheet over the car.
It's messy to strip paint with chemicals.Spreading out a large plastic sheet will prevent you from making a mess.Place the car on top of it.Don't use a sheet that you want to use again.It will be ruined by the chemicals and paint remnants.It's best to work outside or in a garage with the door open.
Step 8: If you don't want paint stripper on the car, cover it.
Paint stripper can damage rubber and glass, so don't let it get on anything other than the paint.Paint the trim areas of the car.There are openings in the hood and between the doors.Use plastic sheets to cover the windows.If you aren't stripping paint from the whole car, then cover painted areas as well.
Step 9: Put on thick gloves and thick clothes.
Paint stripper is a corrosive, toxic chemical.It's a good idea to cover your exposed skin before handling the chemicals.Wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves.You need goggles and a respirator to protect your face.If you get a paint stripper on your skin, run it under cold water for 5 minutes.Poison control can be reached if you get any in your eye or mouth.
Step 10: The paint should be lightly sanded to prepare it for the chemicals.
A preliminary sanding is done with a medium-grit sandpaper.If you want to do the job faster, use a dual-action sander.You will be pouring chemicals on the areas that you Sand.Don't try to remove all the paint with this sanding.The chemicals can soak in better if the surface is disturbed.
Step 11: Put automotive paint stripper on the car and spread it with a brush.
Start by pouring the chemical onto the surface.It is a thick, syrupy substance.Use a paint brush to spread the paint around.All of the areas you want to remove paint should be covered.Hardware and auto stores have automotive paint stripper.An employee can help you find the right product.The stripper will cover the surface area.If this isn't enough to cover your car, get more.Before using the product, read the instructions.If they differ from the ones given here, follow those directions.
Step 12: Allow the paint stripper to sit for 15 minutes.
The paint stripping process is accelerated by fumes from the plastic.Press the plastic against the stripper.Allow the mixture to sit for 15 minutes.There is no need to tape the plastic down.It sticks to the stripper.Follow the instructions on the product label if it says to let the paint stripper sit for a different amount of time.
Step 13: Remove the paint with a knife.
The plastic should be removed after 15 minutes.By this time, most of the paint will be gel-like.Remove all the paint from the car with a knife.Most will come off.Remove the stripped paint and put it on the floor.The plastic sheet was for something.Some spots might need more research.If the paint is still stuck, rub it back and forth.The plastic sheets should be put in a garbage bag.To find out if you should put regular trash in the trash can or save it for a hazardous waste pickup, contact your local trash collection agency.If they ask you the main ingredients, have the packaging nearby to check.
Step 14: Put more paint stripper on the stuck paint.
Some of the paint may not come off after the first application.The car should be checked after you remove all the loose paint.Wait 15 minutes and cover it with plastic after Rub some more paint stripper on it.If there are spots that still have paint on them, repeat this.
Step 15: Use a wet rag to wipe the remaining chemicals off.
There is no soap or solvent in the rag.You should scrub the areas you poured paint stripper on.As the rag soaks up chemicals, rinse and re-wet it.When the rag you are using gets too dirty, use a fresh one.Remove the tape and plastic from the car after you wipe the chemicals and paint off.If you want to wipe off the paint stripper, don't use any chemicals.Toxic fumes could come from mixing other chemicals.
Step 16: Sand the metal to prepare it for painting.
Remove any rust and paint with a thorough sanding.Start with a coarse paper.Then use a 120-, 220, and 400-grit paper.After each sanding session, wipe down the metal with mineral spirits.This job is much easier if you use a dual-action sander.If you don't have a sander, you can sand by hand.