It is possible to give your car a fresh coat of paint on your own, with spray paint meant for metal surfaces and a lot of time and prep work. This can save you money on getting the car painted by a professional, but it's vital that you understand what's involved with car spray painting so you know you get it done right. Note a few common mistakes most car owners make when spray painting their own cars so you can avoid these yourself.

1. Not removing old sections of metal

When sections of a car are suffering severe rust, you don't want to assume that a coat of paint can cover this damage. Paint is not very forgiving when it comes to covering rust, meaning that much of it will usually still show through, and remember that rust spreads so that the metal may simply continue to show holes and other damage even after it's painted. One of the best ways to deal with old sections of metal that are very rusted is to cut them away and replace them completely. You can weld, bolt, or use rivets to connect the new metal and this will give you a good surface for holding the fresh paint.

2. Using poor-quality body filler

Poor-quality body filler will not last very long after your paint job, as it may begin to peel away from the body of the car as the adhesion breaks down. In turn, your paint may start to bubble or crack. Poor-quality body fillers are also usually harder to sand down and make smooth so you have a good surface for the paint itself. It can be tempting to use the cheapest body filler you have for covering over small holes and dents in the body of your car, but in the long run, it's usually best to invest in a high-quality body filler that's easy to sand and which will last longer.

3. Not using the proper technique for spray paint

Spray painting is not like painting with a brush or roller; when you use a spray, you want to keep the can or paint sprayer moving so that paint cannot glob or start to drip. It's also better to use thin coats and build on these, rather than trying to get the finish you want in one thick coat of paint that may be more prone to scratches. When spray painting your car, be sure you understand the best technique and take the time to apply several thin coats of paint versus a few thicker coats.

For more information, contact Brisbane Collision Centre or a similar location.