How to Spray Paint a Car

Use painter’s tape to cover any automotive parts you want to protect from sandpaper and paint, such as mirrors, windows, door handles, headlights, etc. It’s also a good idea to remove accessories like windshield wipers and antennas.

Prepare the surface for paint or primer by sanding it using a sandpaper with the recommended grit. It most cases, it’s best to start with a 400- to 600-grit sandpaper to remove most of the paint. Sand over the entire car body using a back-and-forth motion until the paint begins to flake away. Once the paint is mostly gone, use a higher-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface and remove anything you missed. Take your time while sanding. The smoother the surface, the better the paint job will look and the longer it’ll last.

If you discover any holes or deep dents in the car body during the sanding process, you’ll need to repair them before painting. If the damage is severe, you may need to have those parts professionally repaired. For minor dents, you may be able to fill them in yourself using a commercial putty designed specifically for automobiles. Allow the putty to completely dry and sand it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

After you’ve sanded the car body and addressed any holes, dents or rust, you’ll need a clean, dust-free surface before priming or painting. Wipe down the surface using a soft, dry cloth to remove any remaining dust. The paint manufacturer — as well as the manufacturer of any repair products you may have used — may recommend washing the car a second time or even degreasing at this point. Make sure the surface is completely dry before continuing if you must wash the car again.

When it’s time to paint your car, you’ll need to do it in a covered area such as in a garage or under a carport. This will prevent any leaves or debris from falling on the wet paint. Prepare the area by covering any surface that could make contact with paint overspray with a drop cloth or masking paper.

If the spray paint you chose requires a primer, apply the primer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In most cases, you’ll need to hold the can 10-16 inches away from the car surface when spraying. Use a steady, horizontal sweeping motion to ensure even coverage. You’ll typically need to apply two or more coats of primer. Allow each coat to dry according to the manufacturer’s specifications before applying the next coat. If instructed, sand after the final coat of primer using the appropriate sandpaper. Wipe the surface clean after sanding.

Spray the car surface using the technique suggested by the spray paint manufacturer. Use the same horizontal sweeping motion used for priming. In most cases, you’ll need to shake the can vigorously for a certain length of time to ensure the product is properly mixed. It helps to test out the spray on a piece of cardboard before applying paint to the car surface. This will allow you to see how much pressure you’ll need to apply to the spray button to get the desired result. Apply two or more coats of paint as recommended to ensure proper coverage. 

Wait until the paint is completely dry before sanding or buffing. Once you’re happy with the results, remove the masking paper and tape.