5 Tools Needed for a Custom Car Paint Job

person with mask and spray gun painting car surface

Creating a custom car paint design can provide you with a great deal of satisfaction as well as a truly unique paint job. However, undertaking the task correctly will mean that you have to gather all the appropriate tools together. Without the right tools, a paint job can look tacky and unprofessional.

1. Paint Sprayer

A paint sprayer must be obtained and used correctly to apply a custom car paint job. If you are reluctant to purchase one, you will find it possible to rent one from a tool rental company. This will give you significant control over where the paint is applied and is especially beneficial if you create an unusual design.

2. Paint Spray Booth

A custom car paint project can result in a newly designed car, as well as a great deal of mess. This problem can be limited by making use of a paint spray booth. This will need to be large enough to fit the car and give you space to move around the car as you work; the car can be cleaned and prepared before it is brought to the booth. A paint booth will contain the paint used so that it does not affect the surrounding area and prevent any particles from contaminating the area and affecting the paint. High spec versions also have the added benefit of spraying paint automatically from strategically placed nozzles. Others can be programmed to dry the paint job after it is complete.

3. Protective Gear

Besides the chemicals used to manufacture paint, you also need to be aware of the fine particles of paint that can remain in the air and how to protect yourself from them. A decent facemask is essential as a paper or fabric becomes useless when it becomes wet from your breath. Use close-fitting overalls to prevent any of your clothing from coming into contact with the car and disturbing the work you have done on your custom car paint job. You can wear protective gloves to aid in easy clean-up.

4. Shield

With any custom car paint job, some parts of the car will not require paint; accordingly, these will need to be protected throughout the process. Using thick masking tape and paper should be sufficient to cover the sections that need protection, such as the glass, bumpers, grill, tires, and trim. Ensure that this process is undertaken carefully, with the tape securing the paper laid precisely along bordering edges to ensure that paint does not drift to areas where it is not wanted.

5. Stencils

Creating specific designs will require stencils to ensure that the pattern is precise and the lines are clean. The best stencil type is created from a lightly adhesive material; this will enable it to be firmly attached to the surface to prevent feathered edges while applying paint. It will also enable the stencil to be easily removed.