|
I finally got tired of paying someone else to do something I knew I could learn. I read, researched and experimented on small parts with a cheap gun, and took the time, lots of time, to figure out what worked and didn't for me. After 24, soon to be 25 when the '77 is ready, of my own autos and a few "friends" cars (a conversation to be had later), I know I made the right choice. I have painted in my garage, in an $84K down draft helicopter booth with a "wet" floor, and most recently in my own paint booth. I have had old iron cars become show winners and have had whole panels peel off in one sheet. I will say, if you can help with the prep in any way, and are patient and not too "challenged", you will be rewarded to the happy tune of saving money. However, keep in mind, whatever you do will reflect in the final product. If you decide to fix that door ding yourself and the paint comes off after a year, the painter will not want to redo it. The pro shops are very much against you doing any prep, some even will not spray over your work for fear of a fight later on. I have spent more time re-fixing someone elses work that if I originally did it.
As far as cost, the old saying of getting what you pay for is still true. Buy cheap paint and get cheap results, ie looks pretty good for a short period. However, on the other end, and here is the opening for all the brand patriots, there is very little difference between good paint and great (expensive) paint that is applied well. We, as a group, do not expose our precious German autos to the worst Mother Nature has to offer, so our paint is going to do well for a long time if the car is prepared well and the paint is applied well. You can get an excellent job for a reasonable price if you are diligant in your search for someone that will do the job as you want considering the budget you have in mind and his EPA account.
|