Looking to repair some pesky winter scratches? Or have you been dreaming of a complete repaint through the cold Canadian months? There’s no question–warmer temperatures make DIY automotive work a lot easier. But even though warm weather is great for newbies and enthusiasts alike, painting outside has its own challenges. Ready to get out of the garage and start hitting the pavement? Here are 10 expert tips to help you achieve a flawless finish with your automotive paint during the summer months.
1. Choose the Right Time and Temperature
While outdoor paint jobs can be easier and cheaper than setting up a paint booth, they also involve some key considerations regarding temperature, humidity, and the environment. Avoid painting your car during periods of extreme heat, as this can cause the paint to dry too quickly or cure incorrectly. Aim for temperatures between 15°C and 26°C.
2. Proper Prep is Key
Dirt, grease, dust, and grime can all significantly interfere with the perfect paint job. Before you get started, make sure to wipe everything down with a good degreaser. For a cost-effective solution, try mixing dish soap with warm water.
3. Sand, Sand, Sand
If you are repairing a scratch, repainting a panel, or dealing with pre-existing paint, you’ll need to sand your car to remove jagged edges or uneven textures. For best results, work through progressive sandpaper grits before applying your primer. You can also consider using sanding blocks or an orbital sander to speed up the process. Remember, the extra time invested in proper sanding prevents adhesion failures and surface defects that would require starting over completely.
4. Choose the Right Tools
Before you get started, make sure you have all the right tools on hand. For a complete repaint, you’ll need degreaser, primer, sandpaper, personal protective equipment, and more.
Looking for a professional-grade finish? Consider purchasing a paint gun. While these tools require a larger upfront investment, they also provide more control than a spray can, helping you achieve a smoother and more uniform result. Learn more about choosing an automotive spray gun in our previous post: How to Choose the Ultimate Paint Gun: Sata vs Iwata
5. Do a Practice Run
Is this your first time painting a car? Experienced pros recommend testing sprays on nearby plywood or cardboard to better understand spray patterns, angles, and distance. This way, you can perfect your technique and catch any issues early.
6. Use Multiple Light Coats
Apply 4-6 thin coats instead of 1-2 heavy applications, especially when dealing with summer heat. Thin coats generally prevent bumpy textures and allow faster flash drying.
7. Overlap Each Pass by 50%
Divide panels into vertical sections and start each stroke 2″ beyond the section edge. Move left-to-right, overlapping halfway with the previous application. This technique eliminates streaks and ensures uniform coverage, which is especially important when using spray cans with narrower spray patterns.
8. Allow for Proper Drying Time Between Coats
While summer heat accelerates drying, rushing causes adhesion issues. Follow these guidelines:
- Primer: 30-60 minutes between coats
- Basecoat: 5-8 minutes flash time
- Clearcoat: 15-20 minutes between layers
9. Be Realistic About Costs
DIY painting significantly cuts labour costs, but quality results still require proper investment. Many first-timers underestimate materials costs, only to discover the hard truth: cutting corners ultimately costs more when you need to redo the entire job. A professional shop might quote $3,000-$10,000 for a complete repaint, while a proper DIY approach typically costs $500-$2,000. In addition to your colour, budget for high-quality primer, clear coat, and prep materials.
10. Invest in Clear Coat
Automotive clear coat is like the icing on top of the cake. Investing in a high-quality 2K option will protect your car from UV damage for up to 10 years. At CAPS, we stock 2K clear coats in spray cans and paint quarts. Apply 3-4 wet coats, waiting until the surface turns matte between layers, then polish for the ultimate showroom shine. Not sure which clear coat is right for you? Chat with one of our team members to learn more about your options!
Starting Your Summer DIY Project? Trust CAPS for All Your Automotive Paint Needs
Ready to tackle your next DIY project? Trust CAPS for the best automotive paint in Canada! With a full range of automotive paint options from brands like Endura, Limco, and Automotive Art, we have what you need for the perfect paint job. Our experienced teams in Edmonton and Red Deer are ready to help you find the ideal base coat, finish, and clear coat. Not sure where to start? Explore our supply catalogue, contact our sales team, or visit one of our locations today! We can’t wait to help make your summer paint job a breeze.