The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Painting strategy

This is my first project, I have a 1950 chev 3100 all in pieces as I have sand blasted everything, still have some work to do on cab and frame. Some parts I used a spray bomb self etch primer after sand blasting but most parts are in my garage here in BC Canada with no signs yet of flash rusting (nothing blasted more than six months ago) . I have an attached garage so not sure if I should vent it and create a make shift paint area or rent out a spray booth, or perhaps create one somewhere else on my 3/4 acre property. Problem with the spray booth rental is the number of parts and the time to complete. I have replaced some of the sheet metal with patch panels and still have some more bondo work to do. My question is am I better off to re-assemble then take to a paint booth or try painting one piece at a time. I have never painted before but would like to learn.

I personally would avoid trying to paint in an attached garage, especially if you're using paint with hardener which typically contains cyanide compounds. The other issue is dust that probably exists in you garage from doing any metal work and sanding bondo, which is going to get in the paint. It probably isn't a big deal for primer coats, but you definitely don't want dust in your finish coats. I know that everything in my garage is coated with dust.
You also need to be concerned with temperature control. Winter's here for me and painting season is over, except maybe for a little primer work here and there in the garage. I don't know how cold it's getting in your area, but a paint booth will probably need heat as well as ventilation.
As far as assembling first, I plan on painting major components separately.
I'm sure others will weigh in with their opinions.

I would paint as many pieces one at a time as you can, you will get better coverage with the smaller sections and be able to protect edges and laps that would otherwise be bare steel if it is assembled. Save the final color coats for the assembled project.

Maybe check with a trade school in your area. Take a class, learn to paint, use their facility.

Mark

That's an awesome idea.