The $50 paint job

[Chris_]

Three quarts of Rustoleum gloss white. I thinned 50/50 with mineral spirits. The can says to use acetone, but the folks on the moparts forum had problems with the paint flashing too fast using it as a thinning medium. Mineral spirits seemed to work just fine for me and, when thinned, the paint self-leveled to completely smooth after a few minutes.

Thin is the key. Thin. Not thick. Like milk. And keep the roller pretty dry, don't load it up.

If your bubbles don't pop, it's too thick (or, you are pressing down way too hard on the roller). Un-thinned Rustoleum will take several months of hot dry weather to dry. You won't be able to sand it until it's dry. A 50/50 mix dries completely in 5-6 hours of warm weather.

Below: the "BEFORE" shot.

http://www.rickwrench.com/index79master.htm?http://www.rickwrench.com/50dollarpaint.html

[Chris_]

The results...



Not bad looking, but it doesn't seem to be very chip-resistant.



This is the owner's paint job after 3 years and a few touch-ups.


I didn't see any mention of an enamel clear coat.  That would have been nice to see how that held up.


http://www.rickwrench.com/index79master.htm?http://www.rickwrench.com/50dollarpaint.html

[RobJohnson]

Neat article.

[The Village Idiot]

Not bad for 3 years later.

[Chris_]

Looks like a lot of work.  Paint and sand... paint and sand... paint and sand...

I might try it on one panel to see how it comes out.

[RobJohnson]

Looks like a lot of work.  Paint and sand... paint and sand... paint and sand...

I might try it on one panel to see how it comes out.

One panel at a time is a good idea.

On show quality cars it's not uncommon for the "paint & sand method"