Spraying car door

[Tom_M]

Hello everyone

I have a second hand door for my ageing Astro - a different colour - and was wondering if it's worth getting into to spray painting or to just stick to spray cans? Unfortunately I don't have any indoor space to spray - only the back garden, so that might be a an issue? I do have a spray gun, but only a cheapo that came with the compressor. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Tom

 

[bigbadbugga]

even the cheapo gun you got with your compressor is ten times better than a spray can.

It is however all in the preperation, spend most of your time on the prep work and then pick a nice calm sunny day to spray it, rig up a windbreak if you can.

The cheap gazeebo's you can buy from argos (the ones with removable side panels) are ideal.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Those cheap spray guns are ok for primer but are rubbish for top coats. I bought a SIP one from halfords several years ago, I think it was a 'sapphire' and even though it's a budget gun it's ten times better than the one I got as part of an 'air tools kit' and it's still going strong.
Spraying outside isn't ideal, a gazebo might do or even knock up a polythene tent arrangement. Anything you can do to minimise draughts, dust and bugs will maximise your chances of achieving a good finish.
Bugs seem to have an incredible attraction to wet paint.

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

how about unbolting the door and spraying inside the workshop?

If you're doing it outside don't forget some sheeting on the drive. The disposable decorating sheets are pretty good, and they're cheap!

Regards
Peter

 

[Chipper]

If it's outside, pick a wind-free day, hose down the ground if poss to stop dust being kicked/blown up. Any windbreaks or gazebo etc will help. Bugs may head your way depending on the colour... yellows and light colours will get hordes of kamikaze insects...

Going to the supplier will get a better match, allowing for age and UV fade etc. If you go the can route they can make up cans, ask if they do a nozzle with a flatter fan, instead of the normal 'dot'.

 

[Tom_M]

Thanks everyone for your the excellent advice. I'll give it a go and see how I go on. I've always been a bit scared of paint spraying because of what I've read about it being potentially fatal, if you inhale the fumes, but I'll get a proper safety equipment before I start.

Best wishes,
Tom