DIY painting tips?, or should i just take it to the pros... Options

[samir0189]

Hey guys,

I recently got some gt-four raiser blocks, they are in primer. I have absolutely no experience painting anything. I do have a large (25gal?) air compressor with the spray attachment for paint. I was wondering if you guys think I could paint these myself, with decent results? I don't want it to look like crud, and I don't want to spend alot to paint such small parts either.

If you have DIY painting experience, could you give me some tips, including where to get paint, some detailed steps, tips and tricks, etc?

Or, please let me know if this is far too much for a complete amateur to handle and get favorable results, and if i should just take it to a shop.

Thanks guys!!!!

[garin]

i don't do too much with paint, however i do know that it is a tedious task. you can do it yourself and if you have the tools i would. the most important thing with painting is to keep everything as clean as possible. when you are done with the spray you should wet sand using 1500-2000 grit sandpaper and then buff it so the paint is nice and shinny. also i hear that water based paints aren't as good. do you have any friends who are into painting or cars? that's how i learned a lot. good luck.

[samir0189]

i don't do too much with paint, however i do know that it is a tedious task. you can do it yourself and if you have the tools i would. the most important thing with painting is to keep everything as clean as possible. when you are done with the spray you should wet sand using 1500-2000 grit sandpaper and then buff it so the paint is nice and shinny. also i hear that water based paints aren't as good. do you have any friends who are into painting or cars? that's how i learned a lot. good luck.

I have a cousin in Fort Lauderdale (about 3 hours away driving) who does amazing paint work, the only downside is the distance. I would love to learn how, but i dont know anyone locally that has painted anything. Worst case scenario, its going to go to my cousin.

[bslik]

yea as long as you have a basic idea of how to use that spray attatchment you should be able to handle it.
i mean practice on some other things first and if it comes out good go for it

[808celica]

start with rattle cans to get the technique down. then move on up to using guns.

[garin]

start with rattle cans to get the technique down. then move on up to using guns.

thats a good idea.

[808celica]

start with rattle cans to get the technique down. then move on up to using guns.

thats a good idea.

from experience

[95celgt]

first sand them real nice and smooth, keep em clean.
To me the most important factor is proper mixing, because this will affect both the way the gun will spray, AND how the paint will stick. if its too reduced it will either just drip or spider web (veining will apear) when drying, and not enough reducer will sputter spit and sometimes just spray like powder!
The clear is easy and fun to use lol, usually 4:1 mix and it will lay down a nice wet coat

let them dry for a day just to make sure they dont smudge or smear when you pick them up and dust them off (fresh drying paint is a magnet for dust so try to keep them in as close to a dust free environment as you can, if your going to do it out side i usually hose down everything in the area and paint while its still damp so that dust doesn't kick up)

[samir0189]

Yeahhhh, after reading all of your comments I think I've decided to just hand it over to the pros. lol, I have absolutely nothing to "practice" on that's the same type of material as the blocks, I really don't have anywhere clean either.

Oh well, I never imagined it was so involved, but I guess that's why its so expensive to get a good job done right? Thanks for all of your input anyway guys, I'm normally up for a challenge, but I don't want to ruin my blocks. I'd beat myself up.

for me.

[manphibian]

closed by request...