Help me paint my junk

[Mach1]

So I am trying my hand at this painting thing, I have already learned quite a bit but I am trying to figure out the rule of thumb on sanding/wetsanding. I am painting a hood.

First I hit it with a DA, existing paint, 400grit, until everything was nice and smooth, I then laid on 3 coats of black, looked like total shit, hit the black with the DA, 400 git, then 1000, 1500, 2000, rubbing compound, polish, looks pretty damn good at this point. Could I just have done 400,1000 then 2000? Also, what does the clear coat buy me, it appears it buys durability because the non cleared paint scratches up very easily, I am guessing if I put on a few coats of clear and then did the same sanding process it would be more durable.

[Baron Von Crowder]

what paint did you use?

[Scott Mc]

What DJ said and you will need to prep out to atleast 800 before base coat. Sealer is a good idea too. If it is BC CC you have to use clear.

[Mach1]

Only the best


This is for my race car, so I need to be able to make frequent touch ups (fenders, bumpers, etc). I have been rattle canning this with the stock color, twilight blue, and it's been good enough, but black appears to be a mofo.

[Baron Von Crowder]

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/majic-catalyst-hardener-1-2-pint?cm_vc=-10005

plus this

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Stops-Rust-32-oz-Black-Gloss-Protective-Enamel-Paint-7779504/100160860

with this

http://www.homedepot.com/p/SPRAYIT-Gravity-Feed-Spray-Gun-with-Aluminum-Swivel-Cup-SPRAYIT-SP-352/202977423

[sdun]

Finish with wet 600 before you paint. Use base/clear and color sand with 1000 then 2000 and buff. If I have something pretty slick I will start with 1500 then 2k. If it's solid black you can paint it with single stage urethane. Prep the same and buff the same. Either one can look like glass and be very durable.

[CJ]

tyler if you want to just pick up a pint of whatever paint you want I can bring my sata hvlp gun and shoot it for you, or you can shoot it yourself.

The problem with rattle cans is banding and the clear is usually not UV resistant. Looks great at first, then in a few weeks total garbage.