This website is a free guide to auto painting. We offer auto painting tips and DIY info on supplies, prices, shops, estimates, and schools. Automotive painting is an art form that has been around since the dawn of the automobile. Painting a car takes time, patience, materials, enough room and knowledge to accomplish. There are high end custom paint shops, collision repair shops that also do paint, basic body shops and on the rise are people painting in their own garages.

A typical time frame for someone painting their own car would be about one to two days if the car was prepped beforehand. Prepping a car includes sanding off all of the old clear coats and "roughing up" the old color enough so that new primer can easily adhere to it.

Filler materials such as bondo and fiberglass are used to fill any rusted out holes or small dents. If there are major dents, special tools will be needed to gently bump out the dents. These bodywork tools usually come as sets at most automotive paint outlets.

Patience is the key when painting your own car. It's much easier to take your time and get it right on the first attempt than it is to go back later and fix an avoidable mistake. Collecting all the needed supplies prior to the paint job will ensure a smooth and calm environment in which to paint.

The materials needed for a paint job are more than just the paint itself, although that is extremely important. Respirator masks, masking tape, paint stirrers and buckets, air compressor and regulator, and a paint suit are all essentials to the painting process. Once these are purchased, it's time to buy your primer, base coat (color), and your clear coat. There are countless places on the internet to buy automotive paint. This is truly the best generation for painting opportunities.

Having a well ventilated garage space is also a must when painting a car yourself. Even though respirator masks help keep harmful chemicals out of your lungs, it never hurts to be on the safe side. Having a well ventilated room also helps keep dust particles from collecting on the wet paint.

Most automotive stores now have budget auto paint with some brochures to help you out with the process. Older hot rod books and magazines can help give great inspiration to creating your own paint style while learning from other people's techniques. Whatever you decide, with a little patience and time you will be on your way to painting your car!

Learn the secrets of professional auto painting & body work repair.