EastTNPharmD
02-05-2014, 07:25 PM
Sorry if this is not the right place for this, but I figure you all are the aesthetics experts so here is my question. I need to color match a panel on my truck. (tailgate was stolen and had to source another one). Now I know duplicolor makes a factory match rattle can, and I don't see spending the $300 on having the tailgate professionally painted when the plans are to do a different tailgate from a newer truck in the near future. What is the best method of prepping this tailgate for a DIY paint job? I am pretty proficient with a rattle can, and it doesn't have to be perfect, but don't want it to look like crap either. Thanks for any help you all can give.
///M Traitor
02-05-2014, 08:23 PM
I'm not a painter, but I did a ton of research when considering repairing some curb rash on one of my painted wheels.
I believe what it boils down to, for the best overall look, is the clear coat you put over the base color coat. For the best results, you will need the 2-part (2K?) clear coat rattle can (has a pin in the bottom you depress to release the activator into the can).
To start, I would sand the new gate down to scuff it up, then spray a primer.
Then your color coat in multiple thin coats allowing the color to flash over between coats (2 minutes or so?). If you want a perfect finish, you can wet-sand the last color coat with a very light sand paper. You will need a sanding block too to keep the paper flat on the surface. Watch your corners so you don't burn though.
Then, apply the clearcoat in wet heavy coats for a nice gloss look. Make sure you dont puddle up or run the clear, but it needs to be wet. One coat should give the best results if you apply the correct amount in the first shot.
Good luck! Post some pix...
EastTNPharmD
02-06-2014, 05:50 PM
Will do thanks for the reply