I would like to repaint my front bumper on my own and fix a crack. I know very little about painting, but want to learn. Where do I start?

I do know how and have before fixed cracks in a bumper using my airless plastic welder, but never done paintwork. I do have a paint spray gun that was never used and a compressor.

Can I buy paint in my paint code from an online retailer like AutomotiveTouchUp? What about the best place for clear?

Also I'm looking to learn and understand that this will not be 10/10 in terms of results, but I want to start somewhere.

Cheers

 

What color are you trying to paint?

 

Water is easier to lay, but there are a lot more spray-environment issues to worry about (ie: humidty and temp). Water sprays thinner too, so filtering is extremely important.

Single stage is easier for a beginner, but two stage (base/clear) is a better option if you're doing a large area. If you're doing anything with flake to it, two-stage is the best option.

Once you learn how to properly mix (binding agents and reducers), you'll have to spend time practicing your spray. It's not just sweeping a gun back and forth. Controlled movement that is neither too slow or too fast, starting/ending flow, adjusting air : paint.

Read the basics online, and watch some videos. Then practice, practice, practice. Personally, I was never able to get the hang of it.

Don't forget prepping/cleaning a piece is just as (if not more) important than actually painting. Improper prep work will have all your paint peeling off within a couple weeks.

 

Im painting KYO - brilliant silver. From my very basic understanding of what I need to do the plan was to do a two stage urethane paint. Do I need two separate spray guns to do two stage or is there enough time in between the paint and clear to clean the gun for the clear coat ?

 

Clear is a pita to get perfect. Base coat is a lot more forgiving, make sure you have a large enough air compressor. I hung up my spray guns and moved onto wrap. Less smell and easier to replace/repair. Two guns would be easier as clear and base require different sized tips.