The $124 paint job [Archive] - Toyota MR2 Message Board

The $124 paint job [Archive] - Toyota MR2 Message Board Toyota MR2 Message Board > Toyota MR2 Generations > Show Off > The $124 paint job PDA

View Full Version : The $124 paint job

WrenchswingeR10-04-2011, 11:21 PMI got real tired of driving around a primered, dented, side molding-less MR2. I had some time on my hands, so after much research and test spraying on parts i landed on FLAT black with glossy black hood, engine lid, fuel door and other small accents. It came out real nice and even..probably because i spent over a week sanding, filling, tweaking, and installing some new body parts including a 94 front lip, jdm side moldings, open side vents, and some others. I took my time with the painting, 2 coats of primer that was wet-sanded before i actually laid the paint down. Then 3 coats of the black..the trick with flat is to not let it dry in any place, keep it constantly moving and over lapping. I used a very specific paint order to keep it as seamless as possible. A few other tips i used was to let the paint cans sit in warm water before use, use a workers/painters light, and spray can trigger guns to save your hand. Anyway enough blah blah, enjoy: WrenchswingeR10-04-2011, 11:23 PMTo anyone who thinks u cant spray paint a car, here's the end result: redM10-04-2011, 11:38 PMnicee, which headlights are those? lead8210-04-2011, 11:42 PMwow, that looks really really nice. i was entertaining the thought of doing a paint job myself, but im too much of a nub at it and id end up screwing something up. id leave body/paint work to professionals lol. good job on yours, it looks amazing. WrenchswingeR10-05-2011, 12:34 AMThanks..the headlight conversion is all custom. Driving lights, double relay, mounted underside of headlite cover. Alot of trimming grinding rewiring etc but they are very functional RePete10-05-2011, 12:43 AMLooks pretty good - in pics though. I'd like to see it close up. The thing that bugs me about rattle can paint jobs is their longevity, or lack thereof. SlyBee10-05-2011, 12:58 AMFunny, I was thinking of doing the same to mine. Same with the Kouki tails but with the older center piece too 328FTW10-05-2011, 05:43 AMIt'll fade or fall off unless you bought cans that were charged with 1k acrylic. I painted my old racecar for $30, I do it once a year when it's hit too many trees. Proper automotive paint is cheap. It also doesn't flake and is hella durable when done right. I didn't even mask it off, just got a big tip spraygun and went nuts, still has gloss though even if I spent all of 10 minutes prepping it:lol:

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff323/328FTW/MR2%20Pics/019.jpg

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff323/328FTW/MR2%20Pics/022.jpg

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff323/328FTW/MR2%20Pics/018-1.jpg





This is about a $150 worth of paint job

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff323/328FTW/Paint%20Project%202/003-11.jpg

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff323/328FTW/Paint%20Project%202/14HDR.jpg






$500 of paint job, pretty much mirror gloss metallic. Looks purdy

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff323/328FTW/Paint%20Project/005-4.jpg









I got over rattle cans a long time ago, it never lasted, chipped too easy and always faded or went funny colours; I won't even use it on the racecar cause when I rub doors with someone it all falls off -_-. Acrylic automotive paint is cheap, durable and lasts a while as long as you don't spill stupid shit on it, step up to 2k for that. Even cheap enamel lasts a while if you throw hardener in it, it does dull fast though and needs to be kept waxed or at least cut it every now and then. dragraceman2110-05-2011, 05:55 AMI have fixed a bunch of race cars with just spray bombs, the trick i have found it to get a lot of coats on there usually 5 to 6, but make sure you give it enough drying time between coats. Then i have gone back and color sanded and buffed it and in some cases looked slicker than the original paint! LOL 328FTW10-05-2011, 06:04 AM^ But I've found cheap automotive paint to be cheaper anyway. I've pretty much lost all reason to use spray cans for anything but painting things like suspension arms and odd jobs like that. The first time I touch doors on track with spray can paint it tears off, also the stones from the track and especially rallying on gravel just pelt the paint off the car. I mean if you go to the trouble of sanding the car down etc etc it's no big deal to rent a compressor and gun etc so you can lay down some automotive paint you got on special. To go to the effort of polishing up shitty paint that will fall off doesn't make sense to me.

I have the luxury of a big compressor and sanders. polishers etc but even waaaaaaay back I used to just roll the automotive paint on and wet sand it glossy:lol: dragraceman2110-05-2011, 06:14 AMI hear what your saying 328, but on this side of the big pond there is no such thing as cheap automotive paint, infact the prices have gone up a bunch over the last couple years, use to be red was always the most expensive, but according to my buddy that owns a bodyshop, black is now at the top of the list. He told me that the reason is that most of the black pigments for paint are made in japan and in the area where the earthquake hit, so they are in shorter supply.

As far as the places i have repaired with spray bombs on 3 different cars that i can think of all 3 still look good and are still shiney, nothing has fallen off yet, LOL. 328FTW10-05-2011, 06:26 AMShouldn't be more expensive there, I'm on the other side of the earth so shipping cost and all that is quite high. Plus sales tax, import tax and dangerous goods transport charges. Still cheaper than spray cans, spray cans are still paint, it's just no where near as good. dragraceman2110-05-2011, 06:30 AMI agree paint is paint and in noway are spray bombs anywhere near as good as a catalized paint. I just priced the materials for my MK1 paint job, that ill be starting on after x-mas and its just under a grand and thats not even topself paint thats more for middle of the road quality, but im not spending more than that. 328FTW10-05-2011, 06:36 AMLook for mistints at local mixing places. Happens all the time and you can get wicked colours for dirt cheap. vajboi65110-05-2011, 07:25 AMLooks like a job well done. Makes me want to paint my car now too. WrenchswingeR10-05-2011, 11:43 AMThanks. I put more effort into rattle canning this car than u 328. If the paint was just falling off when u brushed up against the car u half assed it. I sanded the whole car, many spots to bear metal. 2 coats primer, wet sanded, then 3 coats of flat/glossy. Each layer fully dried before the next. My concern was protecting the flat, u can't wax it. I found a specialty product for trim pieces that works great..gave it a nice luster and sheen. mikeedge10-05-2011, 12:58 PMGOOD JOB.
ive seen way worse and this isnt bad at all. thumbs up. Xuracing10-05-2011, 01:37 PMis there a clear on there? If not when gas drips on to the body from filling it will take the paint right off.

but looks pretty sweet IMO much better then your primer job! =D dragraceman2110-05-2011, 01:44 PMwhile I really dont like the anything painted in a flat black, however I think you did a fantastic job using just spray bombs, I have one question though, did you use a enamel or laquer based paint? WrenchswingeR10-05-2011, 06:03 PMits enamel based. I used a filler primer first, then regular primer, then spray enamel Flat black. Right now there is only clear over the engine lid, fuel door and small accent parts i sprayed glossy. The hood still needs to be shot with clear. The flat tends to get dirty easily but i have been protecting/cleaning it with trim detailer and it works great, cleans up stains and leaves it with a deep sheen 328FTW10-05-2011, 06:32 PMThanks. I put more effort into rattle canning this car than u 328. If the paint was just falling off when u brushed up against the car u half assed it. I sanded the whole car, many spots to bear metal. 2 coats primer, wet sanded, then 3 coats of flat/glossy. Each layer fully dried before the next. My concern was protecting the flat, u can't wax it. I found a specialty product for trim pieces that works great..gave it a nice luster and sheen.

It's more that cans use cheap as shit paint that goes funny colours in the sun and flakes. I've painted heaps of wheels the "right" way with cans and it still chips, falls off and goes weird colours. I just use acrylic on wheels now.

If I was half assing it why doesn't the stuff I gun on fall off? I apply it the same. I paint quite a few cars, sometimes I do it for friends and paint on special is just the way to go. 85silverna10-05-2011, 07:18 PMI've seen some of 328's stuff on here over the last few years, his paint jobs are phenominal. His usage is different than yours, I suspect, and thus a differing in opinion. 328 is really just trying to warn you of his previous experiences and tell you what to look out for. Damn kid comes across cocky without meaning it is all.

Freaking talented little $hit... Lol

Nice job on the spray though. Proves the finish really is all in the prep work flatline1610-05-2011, 07:54 PMLooks ok, but Im not a fan of the flat black. What are you doing to protect it? Did you spray matte clear? WrenchswingeR10-05-2011, 10:12 PMits all good, haters gonna hate
I'm using a 'trim detailer' to protect it. Says on the bottle for dull side/body trims, brings back the black, safe for flat paint finishes. It really needs to be worked in to the paint. 328 this car is only driven on occasion and only in good weather, it sits in a full garage when not in use. I think the paint will last for my purpose..i'm not racing on a rocky dirt road or anything:lol: VeilsideMR210-05-2011, 11:37 PMCar looks sick, congrats WrenchswingeR10-10-2011, 10:44 PMthanks^
one thing i gotta say about the flat is it gets dirty easily, water marks, road grit, bugs, etc. Theres no clear so its too exposed. Cleanup is easy, windex ftw ivyboy10-17-2011, 01:17 PMTo anyone who thinks u cant spray paint a car, here's the end result:

It looks even better in person. WrenchswingeR10-18-2011, 10:36 PMThanks Rich!! Turbo Mister210-18-2011, 11:08 PMNot a big fan of the partial flat/ partial gloss. However, I have to admit it is a night and day difference. You did a great job. TomsMR210-18-2011, 11:20 PMyou'll see what 328 is saying in about a month.

it has to do with the chemical composition of the paint itself. its too late for you, but if someone else can read what hes saying and avoid doing it to themselves, at least someone benefits. WrenchswingeR10-19-2011, 12:21 AMits been bombed for the last month and a half, looks better than when it was still wet. My deuce is used as a toy, always garaged..if it were a daily driver street brawler type i would have painted it with my compressor and higher quality paint. I know the difference between paint types David10-19-2011, 08:02 AMYeah it looks really nice now but it's gonna start looking like ass within a couple weeks. MisterBlue10-19-2011, 01:09 PMit looks great! I always wanted to do the rustoleum roll on paint job, I guess you get rustoleum and thin it down like 10 or 15:1 with paint thinner, and roll on like a million cotes and then buff it down to a shine and I guess it is a rather hard paint job too and resists chips easily. 328FTW10-19-2011, 05:14 PMJust use automotive paint, what the hell is wrong with you people. I'm as ghetto as it gets and even I use the right paint cause it works out cheaper:lol: WrenchswingeR10-19-2011, 08:19 PMwhat do you mean 'you people' :lol: Is it cause i'm flat black ? WrenchswingeR10-24-2011, 11:03 PMYeah it looks really nice now but it's gonna start looking like ass within a couple weeks.

well she's no googly-eyed, hoodless nissan 240 ..but 1000 miles later my paint is prettier than ever :lol: Prepwork my friends, prepwork. U could probably paint a car with Crayolas as long as u prepped it right- Turbo Mister210-24-2011, 11:10 PMwell she's no googly-eyed, hoodless nissan 240 ..but 1000 miles later my paint is prettier than ever :lol: Prepwork my friends, prepwork. U could probably paint a car with Crayolas as long as u prepped it right-

Challenge accepted... ThatsMR2U10-25-2011, 01:09 AM:rofl: ^ kevAW1110-25-2011, 02:27 AMChallenge accepted...
Kind of been done...if sharpie counts lol. Always wanted to do this.

http://blog.shoplet.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/sharpie-3.jpg David10-25-2011, 07:55 AMwell she's no googly-eyed, hoodless nissan 240 ..but 1000 miles later my paint is prettier than ever :lol: Prepwork my friends, prepwork. U could probably paint a car with Crayolas as long as u prepped it right-

Really? I've had a spray painted car before. Just trust me, it'll look like shit soon enough. I hope my new sig is a better reflection on my car? WrenchswingeR10-25-2011, 11:40 AMMan I'm just bustin balls, thought ur comment was funny seeing the 240 in ur sig. I have seen spray bombed cars, rolled on paint, professional 5 stage and everything in between. It all comes down to prep and maintenance. I just cant wait to see Turbo Mister2's crayola job! I give u juice box if it's all inside the lines.. J450N10-25-2011, 03:15 PMYa Im regretting doing my own job lol. I sanded for several hours on my 91. And then I flat blacked it with spray paint. I used 10 cans the first attempt and that didnt complete it. So i went back 3 months later and re did it with 10 more cans. Looks ok, but scratches and everything stands out bad. either way, I cant wait to get a real paint job again lol your car came out way better. I should have gone with something beside flat black that looks more like primer than yours. Great job man! Turbo Mister210-25-2011, 03:37 PMI just cant wait to see Turbo Mister2's crayola job! I give u juice box if it's all inside the lines..

I am not very good at staying in between the lines when I'm under pressure!:tear: WrenchswingeR10-25-2011, 05:14 PM^aw, u get juice box anyway champ:D
J450N..what are u using to protect the paint? Try Meguiars world class Trim detailer, works great and makes the paint have a nice slight sheen to it muffinman10-25-2011, 05:17 PMlooks good sofrankomr210-26-2011, 12:00 AMu did it with cans?

good job but i can see things but it does look nice though, you cuda just got a spray gun from homo depot and laquer quarts from auto zone jet black 2 cans of that, 2 cans of primer laquer, and 2 or more cans of clear laquer and your gooooooooooooooood to go heres an example idid it myself, http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt162/SUPERBOWL81/_1015739.jpg MR2_2RM10-26-2011, 12:54 AMnicejob...thought it was plastidipped for a minute... WrenchswingeR10-26-2011, 11:25 AMI did mine all with rattle cans using those spray gun triggers which really help with applying the paint and hand fatigue. I have a compressor and pneumatic spray gun, i just wanted to bomb it by hand. Compressors let out dirt, water and other crap into the paint..spray cans are clean. And sorry but that Accord looks like crap..i mean crayola. no, i meant crap:lol: muffinman10-26-2011, 11:31 AMI did mine all with rattle cans using those spray gun triggers which really help with applying the paint and hand fatigue. I have a compressor and pneumatic spray gun, i just wanted to bomb it by hand. Compressors let out dirt, water and other crap into the paint..spray cans are clean. And sorry but that Accord looks like crap..i mean crayola. no, i meant crap:lol:

That's why you use inline driers and filters. ;) WrenchswingeR10-26-2011, 06:03 PMi have water separators/oilers/filters in-line at my shop but not at home. Compressor at home is just a 32 gallon Craftsman on wheels, its oil-less but still blows water and crap at times even after being drained. 328FTW10-26-2011, 09:32 PMJust run a filter before the gun and clean your equipment properly, it will stop blowing shit in the paint. I use a 20 year old paint gun most of the time although it's getting pretty beat up now. I want a devilbiss muffinman10-26-2011, 09:58 PMi have water separators/oilers/filters in-line at my shop but not at home. Compressor at home is just a 32 gallon Craftsman on wheels, its oil-less but still blows water and crap at times even after being drained.

driers and filters are dirt cheap. I have a drier on the compressor before the hose and a throw away drier/filter at the gun before the hose. Even if you're using air tools you should have a drier on the comp. WrenchswingeR10-26-2011, 10:56 PMah, a little h2o never hurt a well-oiled air tool.
I gotta say tho i friggin hate how loud my oil-less compressor is, the pressure and capacity is good but takes 5 minutes of ear killing on-time to fill up simphmerj11-15-2011, 10:00 AMAnd sorry but that Accord looks like crap..i mean crayola. no, i meant crap:lol:

what he said. maybe just an unlucky pic, sofrankomr2 do you have any more pics? i think part of what makes it look bad is the white/faded trim pieces. probably should have cleaned/painted/polished whatever to get them looking good.

-allan sofrankomr211-23-2011, 07:19 PMi don't know whats crayola about it, on my screen it looks nice but heres another pic, all i know is that in person its super clean looking especially for a diy.

http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt162/SUPERBOWL81/_1015738.jpghttp://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt162/SUPERBOWL81/_1015736-2.jpg sofrankomr211-23-2011, 07:19 PMoh it has a light blue flake in it, so thats why you can see dots on the hood, no its not dust SW20MR211-23-2011, 09:57 PMI think it came out pretty good, great job mr2123411-23-2011, 10:24 PMClick my profile cost me 30 bucks idk y u spent 124 I didn't prymer mine came out flawless mr2123411-23-2011, 10:25 PMDid it with siliver rusto form home depo click my profile Benckj11-23-2011, 10:40 PMit looks great! I always wanted to do the rustoleum roll on paint job, I guess you get rustoleum and thin it down like 10 or 15:1 with paint thinner, and roll on like a million cotes and then buff it down to a shine and I guess it is a rather hard paint job too and resists chips easily. I had an old duel axle trailer that I converted to a car hauler which was done this way. Got rid of most of the rust and blown off with air then out came the brushes and rollers. Surprisenly it looked quite good and last very well. If I get a scratch or scrape I can just touch up and it blends in well. Probably wouldn't do this on a car but at $25 I did the whole trailer top & bottom without any primer. Couldn't do that with a rattle can.

jim WrenchswingeR11-23-2011, 11:35 PMClick my profile cost me 30 bucks idk y u spent 124 I didn't prymer mine came out flawless

post a pic..id like to see what a 30$ paint job looks like:rolleyes:

Ben u can definitely touch up with a rattle can..u just need to mask off all around the damage. Spray it w/ 2 lights coats, try and match the paint thickness- ie, if u sprayed 2 coats primer and 3 topcoat, then touch up the same way. It worked flawless on my front lip that took a beating Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.