Paint Questions
Im shooting Restoration Shop paint from TCP Global. Right now all ive spent on top coat isabout $160... The BC/CC system is $270. Sorry but IMO a car delivered ready to spray $1200 is too much. Not to mention im supplying the paint.
Scamp,
You have the desire, I can tell. That's 80% of a good paint finish.
If you want to shoot paint properly you have to start at the beginning and build up to a complete paint job. I have never heard of anyone getting it right the first time, or second or third either, etc. etc..
The best way to learn is find a local school that teaches body and paint at night. You will learn from a trained professional (semi-trained most times). They will try to teach you the proper methods without the bad habits most of your friends will have.
Or, practice your technique on individual panels at your leisure. Not the best way but it is practice. And you get to develop your own bad habits.
Is there a bump shop in your area you could help out part -time after work or school.? They could train you but it would take a while before they let you pick up a gun.
In short; there are no quick fixes for your dilemma. It takes practice, practice , and more practice before you will be satisfied with your work.
You can keep painting the car yourself and end up with a film build issue like cracking, splitting or delamination (peeling). Or you can pay the painter the money he wants and be done with it. The $1200.00 sounds a bit steep but I have no idea what they charge nowadays for paint or labor to paint a car. Ask around to a few other shops.
I wouldn't stop trying though, sounds like you might make a painter out of yourself in the long term. I was like you about a life time ago.
Good luck with your painting career.
sscuda
:glasses7:
FYI - Licensed spray painter since '73 and former OEM Paint Applications Manager for an OEM automotive paint company. I retired from the OEM paint industry in '98. I still paint, but just my own stuff. And yes, I still get the supreme satisfaction of doing a good paint job.