For custom car builders today, one of the biggest expenses--and a make-or-break features of the build--is the paint job. Now, with the expert help of one of the country's top custom painters, readers can learn to custom paint their own cars, from design to finishing touches. With the attention to detail and keen sense of style that have made her the most sought-after custom painter working today, JoAnn Bortles offers step-by-step instructions for achieving that professional look at home. Her book provides detailed advice on every step from basecoating to artwork and airbrushing to clearcoating and troubleshooting, with special emphasis on designing and executing elaborate paint schemes such as flames, skulls, murals, and pin striping. Clearly written and amply illustrated, this is the ultimate how-to-custom-paint guide. Also contains an excellent chapter on realistic flames as featured on the book's cover.

Everyone wants a great-looking paint job on his or her car, but it’s not cheap. Since most of the expense of a custom paint job is labor, learning to do the work yourself using tips from the pros can save you money. Veteran author Dennis W. Parks joined body shop owner and TV personality Rick Bacon with Custom Car Painting on a Budget to show you how to paint your car. With the knowledge provided in this book and your willingness to learn, you can be driving a car with a custom paint job of which you can be proud. Step-by-step photos and easy-to-follow directions cover everything from paint removal and disassembly to final reassembly. This book includes chapters on ways to reduce cost, perform minor bodywork, strip old paint, install patch panels, do surface preparation, mask, paint, and maintain the finish. Bodywork, surface preparation, and buffing are all labor-intensive tasks that quickly add up at the local paint shop. With the knowledge provided in this book and your willingness to learn, you can be driving a car with a custom paint job that you can be proud of. Get professional results at a fraction of the cost with Custom Car Painting on a Budget.

How to Paint Your Car reveals the techniques, tricks, and technology behind automotive painting through 400 color photos, clear captions, detailed text, and step-by-step how-to sequences.You’ll learn the latestinformation about paint chemistry, waterborne paints, spray guns, body fillers, surface prep, site prep, as well as respirators and other safety gear that every automotive painter must know.With step-by-step detail, you’ll learn how to properly prepare your car for paint work, including minor bodywork, surface preparation, rust removal, masking, priming and final coating. How to Paint Your Car also includes information about custom touches and effects as well as how to care for your paint after application, including information on buffing compounds, waxes, and other care products.Everything you need to know to feel comfortable and confident in undertaking your own paint project, whether a touch-up job or a complete respray, is covered in How to Paint Your Car.

Whatever the vehicle--from classic hot rod to pick-up to chopper--a custom paint job sets it apart. But not all paint jobs are created equal, so how can you tell which style, technique, or scheme will suit the unique demands of your vehicle and budget? Before making a big investment--whether you’re hiring a painter or doing the job yourself--turn to this book for a clear idea of what works and what doesn’t. Drawing on years of experience running her own custom painting shop, JoAnn Bortles reviews the full array of options for paints, graphics, and effects. In an easygoing and engaging manner, and with photographs to illustrate her points, she explains the tools and techniques that apply in various paint schemes and shows what might work especially well in certain situations and for particular vehicles. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, considering color combinations or graphics, or simply wondering what to look for in a local paint shop, this book will answer your questions--and help you get the custom paint job that’s perfect for you.

How to Paint Your Car reveals the techniques, tricks, and technology behind automotive painting through 400 color photos, clear captions, and detailed text. Learn the latest information about waterborne paints, spray guns, body fillers, and respirators and other safety gear that every automotive painter must know.