Kip's41,
One amateur to another! If you did the bodywork and the quality is questionable, then a professional bodyshop might not want to stand behind their paint job! I had one of those $39.95 paints jobs years ago and it was excellent, shiny and durable....is something like that still available..they take the bodywork 'as-is'.
Paint types run the gamut from tractor enamel to base coat/clear coat finishes. When you get into a true automotive finish, the prices will make your hair stand on end. Most of these systems are 2-part...the paint and a catalyst. They dry by chemical reaction, no heat needed.
The base coat/clear coat process involves a base coat of the desired color covered by a clear coat that protects it and gives it depth and a high gloss. All these 2K, or two part finishes dry quickly and you can sand the runs and bugs out in a day or so.
Unless you are really looking forward to doing the paint job yourself, I think I would have a friend or someone from a bodyshop do a weekend deal for $$$ under the table. You won't get the satisfaction of painting it yourself, but I think the results will be better, and you won't have to fret over fumes, thinners, prewashes, moon suits, respirators, hazardous waste etc.
Stuart
