A long time ago this forum had a thread about using the roll-on method to paint your car, and I believe it was a sticky, has anybody seen it recently?

 

I don't know if you want that thread specifically, but here is the thread that started everything.

moparts: paint job on a budget!?

Tony

 

https://www.miataturbo.net/forum/t5199/

 

quit spamming the forums to raise your post count

That is the thread I was looking for, thanks Tony!

 

FWIW I used this rustoleum method to paint my hardtop. I actually put the paint into a spray gun since I have one and an air compressor. I think the results would have been even better if I had just rolled it on from the beginning. Also, my prep sucked. I'm not the type of person to be good at an "attention to detail" kind of job like painting. 1.5 years later and i've been really rough on it and only chipped a couple of small spots. I really think it could have been a great paint job if I took more care.

It looks great from far, but far from great as they say =P

 

I've heard a lot of the $40 paint jobs look terrible in person. If you're painting an old truck, it's one thing. But to do a car and expect it to shine, I wouldn't waste my time.

 

The problem here is the prep and the time one takes to do a good job. The only aspect of the "40 dollar paint job" that is cheap is the paint itself. And how much cheaper is that really than actual single stage automotive paint? Honestly, the finish can look just as good imo if you take the time.

Where the problem comes into play is that if you're going to take the time to make rustoleum look good, why the hell wouldn't you just pony up some more scrilla and use good paint? I suppose the cost of a compressor and a gun change things a little, but in my case it was utterly pointless for me to spray on rustoleum. I could have paid 50 more dollars for some really good paint and done it right to begin with.

 

A year ago there was a huge thread on this at hybridz. Basically it can be good cheap paint job you just have to do 6-7 thin coats. And you need to sand between each coat.