Painting your car a custom color like green is possible, but it does require some extra considerations compared to just repainting the same color. When painting a car a radical new color, you’ll have to decide between doing it yourself or going to an auto paint shop, determine the right shade of green, prepare the car properly, and use the right painting technique for a quality paint job. With some planning and effort, you can paint your car any color you like.
Can you legally paint your car any color?
In most areas, there are no laws prohibiting painting your car whatever color you want, within reason. While some locations have regulations about using certain types of paint that could be considered an environmental hazard, a standard automotive paint in a green color is perfectly legal. There are no transportation or vehicle codes in most states that regulate car color, so you can paint your car green or any other color without worrying about the legality.
Some exceptions are:
– If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, check the rules first. Some HOAs prohibit overly bright colors or have other guidelines around custom paint jobs.
– Taxis and other commercial vehicles may have local regulations about color patterns to follow.
– Military vehicles and some other government agency cars have color requirements.
As long as it’s a personal vehicle, you likely don’t have to worry about any color restrictions. Just avoid using paint types that contain hazardous materials, like lead, or spraying techniques that could put contaminants in the air.
Should you paint it yourself or go to a shop?
Painting a car yourself is challenging but can save money compared to a professional paint job. Here are some factors to consider:
– Cost – a DIY paint job can cost under $500 for supplies while a shop often charges $2000+
– Painting equipment – you’ll need a spray gun, compressor, respirator and may need to rent or buy other tools
– Space – you’ll need a garage or workspace big enough to fit the car with room to move around it
– Experience – DIY painting requires knowledge of preparation, spray technique, paint types, etc.
– Time – paint prep and multiple coats could take 50 hours or more spread over several days
– Quality – an amateur paint job often doesn’t look as smooth and professional as one done by a seasoned body shop
For many, it’s worth paying extra for the convenience, quality results, and expertise of auto paint professionals. But DIY can be rewarding if you have the time, equipment, and skills.
How to choose the right green paint color
With so many shades of green, picking the perfect one for your car can be tricky. Here are some tips for choosing a green paint color:
– Decide on a light, medium or dark green. Dark greens like forest or emerald green tend to be bold and elegant while light greens give a bright, lively look.
– View color swatches in different lights. Green can look very different in sunlight versus shade.
– Consider the car’s body style – bolder greens go well on sports cars while pastel greens fit classic cars.
– Complement other colors on the car like the interior, trim, wheels, etc.
– Test spray paint samples on posterboard to visualize how the color will look.
– Look up photos of green cars to pick a color you love. Mint, sage, lime, and moss are all popular greens.
– If custom mixing a color, start with a base of yellow and blue automotive paints.
– Remember that metallic or pearl paints contain flakes that affect the way the color is perceived.
Take your time, evaluate shades in person, and get others’ input to be confident the green you choose is perfect before committing to a full paint job.
How to prepare a car for painting
Proper preparation is crucial to achieving great results painting your car green. Follow these key steps:
– Wash the car thoroughly with soap and water to remove grime and wax.
– Use tar remover to get rid of any tar, sap, or grease spots on the paint.
– Sand and scuff the existing clear coat to rough it up so the new paint adheres well.
– Prime any bare metal spots that may be exposed.
– Mask off areas like glass, chrome, and rubber trim that shouldn’t be painted.
– Remove any accessories or items like mirrors that should stay paint-free.
– Fix imperfections like scratches, chips, dents, and rust spots.
– Clean the entire car again with paint prep cleaner.
Taking the time to prep properly will help the new green paint stick evenly and smoothly.
What painting technique should be used?
Painting a car requires specialized equipment and methods. The most common technique is to use an air-powered spray gun to apply multiple coats of colored base coat paint and clear coat. Key steps include:
– Spray 1-2 full coats of base coat color, allowing proper time to dry between coats.
– Spray the base coat in even, overlapping strokes about 8-12 inches from the surface.
– Apply lighter coats on vertical panels so paint doesn’t run.
– Allow base coat to dry at least 24 hours before spraying clear coat.
– Spray 2-3 coats of high-quality clear coat, again allowing proper drying time between coats.
– Let cure in a dust-free space for at least 72 hours before polishing.
– Carefully polish with cutting and finishing compounds, then hand buff to a glossy shine.
This process helps the paint adhere perfectly and creates a smooth factory-like finish. Taking your time leads to a professional looking paint job.
Conclusion
With proper planning and preparation, you can paint your car any vibrant color like green. While a professional auto paint shop will provide the highest quality results, you can also achieve great results through a careful DIY paint job. Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow key steps like thorough cleaning and sanding, applying multiple coats, allowing proper curing times, and hand-finishing the paint. The end result will be a custom green car that really stands out.
