How to go about minor bodywork repair ...........

[cem_devecioglu]

just to remind one important point.. after every coating (be it primer or paint) the -dried- surface must be sanded with at least 800 grid (and not less than) 

Excuse my stupidty, but why do you rub down between coats?

For a key surface for the next coat and a smoother finish "i think" 

yep.. for the covering coat -whatever it is- the surface must have "tiny channels" or tiny scratches that it can hold..

normally , there is no sanding between final paint layer and laquer layer as the laquer is applied on partially wet surface..

but if you want an extraordinary good paint
(for a stronger and deep looking paint ) - although factories dont use - method of using an initial -preparation- paint layer is a good practice..   also if you are painting on bare metal surface, both metal surface and primary coat must be sanded..


and forgot to add.. for a smoother finish is the second reason..  generally the coated surface will not be glassy instead will be like orange surface..  there are several reasons for that.. first one being lower cabin temperature.. second low solvent percentage (this technique is used by painters to prevent paint flow) .. and finally spray gun..  but even in best paint methods there wont be a perfect surface.. also even sanding final laquer will give better quality.. but its labour intensive

[noel]

P.s its a monsoon here now  , that just us talking about getting out and sorting the car in the sun . Hopefully august will be better for some prep work 

better be,got a weeks camping in cornwall planned

[dbug]

In general terms your procedures ok mate - include flatting between coats as suggested by cem.

One important point before starting any spraying - thoroughly clean whole panel to remove any traces of polish and traffic film - I always use a good quality cutting compound for this!  It helps to allow the new paint to blend in with the old and makes removal of any overspray easy if only spraying in a small area.  HTH

[I_want_an_Omega]

Thanks for the feedback guys - much appreciated.

Everything I need has either arrived or has been ordered. For the paint I used a very helpful site, spoke to the guys there who also gave me a few tips which saved a few quid. 

www.paints4u.com

Just have to wait for the inclination and some decent weather - so who knws when that will be 

[omega3000]

Dont forget to tack rag off the surface as well before each coat 

[cem_devecioglu]

and we forgot the most important point.. before starting paint , play with the gun and wide open the angle and try on some test surface on different angles.. your hand must move at a constant rate and layers must overlap in small portions..or you may end up with a paint flow

[dbug]

and we forgot the most important point.. before starting paint , play with the gun and wide open the angle and try on some test surface on different angles.. your hand must move at a constant rate and layers must overlap in small portions..or you may end up with a paint flow

Think the ops using rattle cans cem

[cem_devecioglu]

and we forgot the most important point.. before starting paint , play with the gun and wide open the angle and try on some test surface on different angles.. your hand must move at a constant rate and layers must overlap in small portions..or you may end up with a paint flow

Think the ops using rattle cans cem

just in case

[I_want_an_Omega]

and we forgot the most important point.. before starting paint , play with the gun and wide open the angle and try on some test surface on different angles.. your hand must move at a constant rate and layers must overlap in small portions..or you may end up with a paint flow

Think the ops using rattle cans cem

Indeed I am - but thanks for the thought.