A fresh coat of paint can make an old hood look better.If you want the paint to stick, you have to wash the car and treat the rust stains.Both spray paint and liquid paint can be used, but always work slowly to apply several layers of primer and paint.Take your car on the road to show off your new look.
Step 1: To wash the hood, use soap and water.
Pick a day when you can paint the car.To clear the hood of dirt, wash it.Use a car wash soap purchased from an automotive store, then rinse it off with water from a hose.Household soaps tend to damage the finish.
Step 2: The hood needs to be rubbed with a sponge.
Sanding sponges can be found at any home improvement store.Rub the sponge over the hood while the car is wet.It helps the new coating adhere better when you apply it later.
Step 3: It's best to dry the car completely.
You can use a microfiber cloth to absorb the water.Leave the car out in the sun until the water is gone.Depending on the weather, this can take a few hours.Your new coat of paint will not look very good if the car is not dry.
Step 4: Rub off any rust spots you notice with a piece of sandpaper.
40 to 60-grit sandpaper can be found at a home improvement store.Rub it over the rusted spots.The orange-colored rust begins to oxidize.All you have left is bare metal.It is important to remove rust now so it does not damage your car later.If you have a grinder, you can use it to replace the sandpaper.
Step 5: Put a damp cloth on the sanded areas.
Hold the microfiber cloth under the water.Don't soak the cloth since it will lead to more rust.You can use the cloth to clean the spots you sanded.
Step 6: The rusted areas should be sprayed with a rust converter.
Pick up a can of rust conversion and primer product from a home improvement center or automotive store.It works like spray paint.The can can be moved from side to side by pressing the plunger on it.It's a good idea to create a coat to protect the metal.This product is used as a primer.You can paint it.
Step 7: The rest of the car should be covered with tape.
Some paint stores and auto parts shops stock sheeting.There are areas near the hood that you don't want painted.The edges of the hood can be covered with masking tape.It's better to cover large areas with plastic sheeting.
Step 8: It's a good idea to wear a respiratory protection when painting a car.
The fumes from paint are unpleasant and can be dangerous to inhale.It's a good idea to move the car to an outdoor location, but you should still wear a mask.Gloves and safety goggles are helpful.
Step 9: You can use spray paint for paint jobs.
You've probably seen spray paint for sale.It is as easy to use as pointing and spraying.You will need primer and colored paint.Get another color of paint if you want to add more detail to the hood.
Step 10: Purchase a paint gun for a professional job.
You can buy paint guns online or at home improvement stores.A gun allows you to create more layers of paint.You will need to mix the liquid paint with the instructions on the label.
Step 11: The primer should be over the hood.
The primer canister is above the hood.Move the can or gun in a straight line from one end to the other.You should overlap this second stroke with your first one.Continue spraying until you cover the entire hood.A quality primer is another way to do this.Spread it over the hood.
Step 12: Wait five minutes after applying a layer.
Wait between 2 to 5 minutes for primer.Some waiting for the product to settle on the hood is required for each can of primer or paint.The can has instructions on how long to wait.Don't wait too long.After you add more of it, the primer should only be allowed to dry.
Step 13: You can add more layers of primer.
Wait a few minutes after each layer to spray on more primer.You did the first one the same way.Slow, even strokes.The primer should be thick.
Step 14: Allow 24 hours for the primer to dry.
Wait a day to make sure the primer settles.Drop cloth can be purchased online or from any store that sells paint supplies.
Step 15: The main coat is applied.
The mid coat is the color you want your car to be.You did it the same way.Start at the end of the hood and move across it.Try to release the plunger when you reach the hood's edges.Straight lines are the best way to coloring.You will want to hide your car in the garage if you move too fast.
Step 16: You can apply 3 coats of paint.
Read the instructions on the paint can to find out how long to wait.It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.Apply a second coat of paint to the hood after the time has elapsed.You will need 2 or 3 coats to make the hood look good.
Step 17: Wait another 4 hours for the paint to dry
You have to wait to finish the job.It shouldn't take as long as the primer.You can test it by touching it.If you want to wait another day, cover the car with the drop cloth.
Step 18: It's a good idea to paint on different colors.
You can use additional colors to personalize your hood.You should cover the areas you don't want to paint.The same method is used to apply the paint.This is how you paint.You can use your imagination to make your hood stand out.You can protect the coloring with spray paint.