If your car needs new paint, or even just a touch-up, the cost involved in getting a professional job can be more than you bargained for. Fortunately, there are less expensive alternatives, you can even paint your own car at home! In How to Paint Your Car On A Budget, author Pat Ganahl unveils dozens of secrets that will help anyone paint their own car. From simple scuff-and-squirt jobs to full-on, door-jambs-and-everything paint jobs, Ganahl covers everything you need to know to get a great looking coat of paint on your car and save lots of money in the process. This book covers painting equipment, the ins and outs of prep, masking, painting and sanding products and techniques, and real-world advice on how to budget wisely when painting your own car. It is the most practical automotive painting book ever written!
The book contains very useful info on a variety of subjects. It’s wriiten in a manner that is easy reading and understandable. Would highly recommend to anyone thinking about painting their own car.
Excellent book for a beginning at home painter. I’m in the process of restoring a car at home and this is the best DIY book I have read on autobody and paint.
Great book! I haven’t painted a car in over 20 years so my methods/experiences are way outdated. I’ve searched far and wide for a “to-the-point” no-nonsense book that gets me current on the confusing myriad of new eco-friendly products out there and this author’s book was the best solution. His approach is direct and to the point and doesn’t discourage the little guys and gals out there who would rather try painting a car on their own for any number of reasons.
I would have liked a little more specific info (brand/model) on his recommendations for more products such as current spray guns (Devilbiss, Iwata, Sata???), tip sizes, because I’m ready to make a hefty purchase to update my prehistoric spray guns. I do understand why he was a little more generic on what he does recommend though. I’m glad he cleared up some mysteries on the various primers and types of basecoats out there for me because one recent visit to a local automotive paint store convinced me that the guy at the counter knew even less than I did! The prices for current paint products are outrageous so you need to know as much as possible before taking the plunge and pulling out your wallet.
This author has an impressive background in cars and many other cool books to peruse. I’ve bought several books on “painting your own car” but this is the one I’d recommend over all the others by far.
This book offers a clear and concise review on how to paint your car-yourself. It seems that the main point is that it’s not the paint. It’s what you do to the paint after it’s sprayed that determines how good it looks.
If you are even remotely thinking of painting your own car, you need to read this book first and save yourself a lot of headaches.
Ready Set Spray!
This is a good book that has the basics on “How to paint your car”. I would recommend it beginning and intermediate home car painter.
I really wanted to paint my project myself and this book convinced me that I can do it. Ganahl gives all the information I’ll need to paint my Lotus 7 replica (Stalker V6). The right amount of detail along with hints and tips are just what I needed.
Great introduction to the process, and lots of good info on the prep process. If you want to prep your car before having Maaco/Earl Scheib shoot it, this book is perfect! If you want to shoot the paint yourself, get this AND a second book.
The book is full of color pictures, and reads a lot like having a conversation with a veteran painter. The condensed technical content is lacking, but there’s a lot of good advice, tips and tricks, etc. that makes it a good read. “Sponsorship” is kindly avoided, with only a few specific products recommended.
Distinctly lacking is a chapter on shooting paint; the author cites rapidly changing technologies, and this information could become rapidly outdated. It’s an honest answer. There are other books that fill this in (e.g. How to Paint Your Car (Motorbooks Workshop)), and are a good follow-up to this one.
Well worth the time and money to read this, if you’re serious about a re-paint lasting more than a month, just understand it doesn’t cover everything you’ll need to know.
Good material, easy to read and understand! Needs more info on types of paint available and how to use them!
This is the best, by far, of 3 books I have purchased on automotive painting. It is very current and well written. The book details multiple examples of painting scenarios from touch-ups to frame-off paint jobs. There are numerous examples of cars painted by the author and others in their own garages, just like most poor car junkies would do. Great examples of equipment, paint products, proper use, safety concerns, etc. He really leaves no doubts as to what you need to know in order to pull off your paint project. I have a car torn down to paint and as I do it, this is the book that will be my guide.
Good information on how to achieve a good looking paint job with minimal cost. Does not cover repairing major body damage. Author does not push specific products and color pictures are excellent.