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Tanuki

(14,893 posts)
Sat Sep 17, 2022, 02:00 PM Sep 2022

Question about type of paint for car exterior.

My 2009 Toyota Corolla has >290k miles on it. It's still getting the job done, and I'm hoping to hold out on replacing it until 1) car prices stabilize and 2) we are a little farther down the road in terms of EV technology and public charging infrastructure. In the meantime, the exterior paint has lots of areas where it is faded and crappy looking. It has crossed my mind to use it as a "canvas" for a cheerful self-inflicted paint job, with flowers, birds, butterflies, etc. covering up the sorry looking areas. Do any of you have suggestions on what kind of paint I should use? Do I need a primer? Is this a bad idea, and would it attract the wrong kind of attention?
🤔

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4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Question about type of paint for car exterior. (Original Post) Tanuki Sep 2022 OP
Don't do it. Earl Shieb Paint and Body is still in business. brush Sep 2022 #1
Paint anxiety? Faded? bucolic_frolic Sep 2022 #2
It's your car and owes you nothing. gibraltar72 Sep 2022 #3
Go for it! Mopar151 Sep 2022 #4

brush

(53,475 posts)
1. Don't do it. Earl Shieb Paint and Body is still in business.
Sat Sep 17, 2022, 02:19 PM
Sep 2022

They do a good job for a lot less than you'd expect, and they do it quickly.

bucolic_frolic

(42,676 posts)
2. Paint anxiety? Faded?
Sat Sep 17, 2022, 02:20 PM
Sep 2022

If the color is intact why not use some rubbing compound followed by a good quality wax?

If the paint's intact, you don't need a primer, but you have to degrease before new paint. It's a job for enamel paint, not acrylic.

gibraltar72

(7,486 posts)
3. It's your car and owes you nothing.
Sat Sep 17, 2022, 03:10 PM
Sep 2022

Go for it. Don't know what facilities you have. But I've done stuff with cars since I was 14. That was a long time ago. If you need specific tips I am available with ideas.

Mopar151

(9,965 posts)
4. Go for it!
Sat Sep 17, 2022, 06:07 PM
Sep 2022

Lots of books, info on custom paint for cars Google the Eastwood Co.. For any brush graphics, lettering, striping, you want "One Shot" sign painter's enamel Works way better, in every way.


Only need primer if base coat is gone. Spraying top coat takes tools, equipment, dedicated space. Brushed.enamel (or urethane enamel) looks surprisingly good when properly prepped and applied. Tractor and Equipment paint is the easy way to get what you want.

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