How Many Spray Cans to Paint a Car

Compared to other alternatives, spray painting a car is the easiest and most affordable method of giving your vehicle some fresh paint.

It is a simple procedure that you can carry out in your garage, as long as you have all the necessary tools. One of the most essential tools needed for this activity is spray cans.

And, you will need several spray cans if your goal is to paint the entire car.

How Many Spray Cans Do I Need to Paint the Entire Car?

This will depend on a couple of factors. The first is the spray paint brand you will decide to buy. Not all spray paints are created the same. Others have a thicker formula. These are the ones you should opt for.

The second thing that you will have to consider is the number of coats you intend to spray on the car.

To get a better finish, we recommend at least three coats of paint spray. For you to do this, you will need at least 20 spray cans.

This will be enough to spray the entire car with several coats so that the paint can stick firmly. You can also use 10 cans of spray paint if you are on a budget.

But be warned because the less paint you use, the easier it will be for the sun to bake the paint. Plus thinner coats don't last long and you will have to wax the paint regularly.

How Long Does Car Spray Paint Last?

With 20 spray cans, as mentioned earlier you will get three coats of paint. If you wax your car regularly, this should last a couple of years.

There are car owners whose paint lasts for more than 10 years of good-looking paint from car spray paint. What matters most is how well you take care of your car's paint job.

Can Spray Paint Withstand UV Damage?

On a head-to-head basis, car paint is not on the same level as spray paint. The latter can't hold up against the weather as well as UV rays.

Not unless you have already made up your mind to use spray cans, you should consider buying a car paint kit that contains car paint and a paint gun.

Depending on the spray paint you want to buy, if you buy 20 spray cans, the cost may be the same or even more than buying a car paint kit.

Do Spray Cans Leave an Impressive Finish?

There is this misconception that paints from spray cans don't look as great as car paint. This is not true.

With enough spray cans and proper paint preparation such as sanding, you can be assured of a pro-finish. The only challenge of using spray cans is that there will be some visible inconsistencies.

This is because not unless you have superpowers, juggling between spraying and shaking the cans is not easy.

Though a cheaper option, painting a car with a spray can requires effort. Brace yourself for holding on to the nozzle of 20 spray cans.

This may take several hours when we also factor in the duration needed to sand the paint. This is a project that should be carried out during one's free time.

How Many Cans Do I Need to Paint My Car Black?

The number remains constant, irrespective of the color you want to paint your car. Whether you want red, black, or gray, you will still need 20 cans of spray paint.

Some colors start to show earlier than others, black is a good example. However, for it to look better and last longer, you will have to apply several coats. Don't forget about adding a clear coat. This is essential.

How Many Spray Cans are Needed to Paint the Bumper?

The bumper of your car is more vulnerable to paint damage. This shouldn't come as a surprise especially when you consider its location.

Having seen that you will need 20 spray cans to paint the entire vehicle. You may be wondering, how many do I need to paint the bumper?

4 cans should be enough for your bumper. It will give you three coats of fresh paint that will leave the bumper looking fresh.

When you compare the cost of four spray cans and the $200-$400 you can be charged for painting the bumper at the auto shop, spray cans are way cheaper.

Once you learn how to spray paint, you will never have to spend a lot of money at auto body shops for bumper painting.

Though affordable, painting your bumper with spray cans is not easy. The preparation process is more complicated than painting itself.

Spray cans are very flexible when it comes to painting. However, you need to be very cautious.

To get the most out of a spray can, work insufficient light and do the painting in an enclosed garage. This will prevent the contamination of paint by debris.

Are There Tips on How to Paint a Car with a Spray Can?

When you inquire from professional detailers or read through comments on car forums, rattle can paint is quite unpopular.

It gets a bad rap because it has led many car owners down the drain. At one point in your life, have you ever used a spray can on your bumper and got a terrible finish?

Without specialized equipment and quality car paint, you can't attain a classy finish.

The thing about spray cans is that they can get the job done. Though not to perfection, some spray paint can make your car look brand new.

The number one tip on getting the most from spray paint is to ensure you have the right factory paint code.

Your car paint may be white, but there are various shades of white. If you can't find the factory paint code, you can research the model of your vehicle, year of manufacture and you will find the right code.

Another tip you should use when using spray cans is by getting the prep work done to perfection.

Start by degreasing then fill up any dints and sand thoroughly. Feel free to use power tools, provided you can work out finer grits.

A Quick Guide on How to Paint a Car with a Spray Can

If your biggest concern was how many spray cans are needed to paint a car, you already know that the answer is 20.

You can add or reduce at least three cans depending on the size of your vehicle. But, are you familiar with how to paint a car with a spray can? If not, here is a quick overview;

1. The first step of preparation is to sand the car using 600-grit sandpaper. This should be done till the paint starts to flake off. What follows is switching to 1500-grit sandpaper until all the paint is removed as well as rust.

2. If you see any holes, you will need to cover them with some putty. Which should be applied and allowed to rest for a while before being rubbed again with 1200-grit sandpaper.

3. The surface left behind should be cleaned thoroughly with a dry cloth and a cellulose thinner. The role of the latter is to dissolve wax and any paint left behind.

4. Your car is ready for new paint. So start covering surfaces that you wouldn't want to get paint on. This includes headlights, side mirrors, and windows. Painters tape is the best option to be used in covering parts of your car.

5. Find the best spot to paint spray your car. Aerosols are different from other paints and work best in a warm and dry environment. The fumes from aerosol cans can be toxic. Wear protective gear.

6. Get to spraying. Holding the can 25 cm away from the car, gently spray the paint over the surface. Ensure the strokes are even and apply back and forth.

7. Sand with 1200-grit sandpaper till the primer has smooth touch. Gently wash the area with soapy water and dry it with a clean towel.

8. Shake and spray on the primer. If you have used aerosol cans before, you already know that they do need thorough shaking every once in a while.

This combines the paint pigment in the can. Spray at the same distance of 25 centimeters and adhere to horizontal strokes.

Apply 2 more coats, with an interval of 10 minutes between. With 20 spray cans, this should be enough for three coats.

DIY vs Professional Car Paint Job

If you are considering using spray cans then what you have in mind is a DIY car paint job. There are advantages and disadvantages of painting a car by yourself.

The pros are; it is cheap, you can be assured of several coats and a quality finish. The biggest downside is that it takes a lot of time and effort.

On the other hand, a professional car paint job won't require your efforts. But, it will chunk lots of money from your pocket.

A basic paint job can cost you up to $1,000 and a showroom-quality paint job having a price tag of more than $3,000.

The pros of having a professional paint the car for you are that you can be assured of impressive results especially if you pay for a premium paint job.

The only con is that it's expensive and in the case of basic paint jobs, the finish won't be that good. And you are better going with the DIY paint job.

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How Many Spray Cans to Paint a Car

Source: https://www.cherishyourcar.com/how-many-spray-cans-paint-car/#:~:text=To%20get%20a%20better%20finish,you%20are%20on%20a%20budget.

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