Painting my X

[taxx]

I have painted a bumper before and didn't prep it well or spray it in a non dusty enviroment or with a decent gun. less than 1 year later it is flaking. I am considering painting my X, probably stick with the same color for ease of paint anc cause I like black. But if I got a halfway decent gun (I have seen several discussions on that), how hard is it to get a good paint job on it htat will hold up doing it myself? I can make a paint booth in my garage out of thick plastic, a fan and some pre filters, heck I could get my hands on an old HEPA for free too for it to be that much cleaner. I am just curious how hard it is and if I can do it. What all is involved in prep work?

My reasons are this would be a lot cheaper than paying some one and if I learn it I can repair deep scratches and gouges later on by myself. Anyone done this before with a nice quality finish?

 

[taxx]

PS if anyone has any links to good howtos especially on preping the surface it would be most appriciated. I might start on this this winter. I know the prep work will take a while.

 

[MONMIX]

The two biggest factors in prep work is just the right scraches. 800 grit over primer is what we use at the body shop I work at. The next factor is how clean the vehicle is. Soak it down with some anti-static degreaser , but make sure that stuff dries. Make sure you your self is clean ( or is it are clean ? ) Don't eat a big slice of pizza then go into the booth. ( pizza is greasy ) Even if you wash your hands and all the grease will still be in and on your cloths.

That is some of the best advice I can give.

 

[Perry]

Maybe see if you can find a small shop that would let you help them work on it.
People think sanding is so easy and anyone can do it, but it takes time to do it right and you will be sore after sanding.