Motorists do not like driving around in cars with worn-out paint finish. Faded, chipped, or cracked paint not only lowers the value of your car but also exposes the frame to rust. The reason is that paint plays a vital role in keeping moisture at bay. For an auto-spraying technician, nothing feels better than seeing a client walk out of the garage with a smile on their face and a sparkling paint job. That being said, not every paint job turns out perfect, and sometimes the simplest mistakes can result in noticeable inconsistencies. Thus, the spray painting preparation stage is of utmost importance, and any mistakes must be avoided. This article highlights common mistakes to avoid in the preparation phase of auto spray painting.

Inadequate Sanding

One of the biggest issues novice auto painters struggle with is creating a surface that allows the paint to adhere to once dry. Unfortunately, most newbies do not sand car panels properly, leaving behind surface irregularities. Besides, the sanded spot should be adequately cleaned to eliminate any debris that might affect paint adherence to the surface. The two mistakes often lead to flaking and peeling once the paint dries. Therefore, newbie auto-spray technicians must sand and clean the spot in question to increase the chances of paint adherence to the substrate.

Spray Painting on Wet Primer

Novice auto-spray painters are always in a rush to get work done. Therefore, some newbies end up spraying auto paint on a primer that has not dried properly. Unfortunately, painting on wet primer ruins its adhesion power and prevents the substrate from sticking to a car's surface. Moreover, spray painting on wet primer mixes both substrates and results in runs and sags. Notably, painters need to give auto primers enough time to dry adequately. The drying time depends on the specific brand a technician uses. A good rule of thumb is to spray paint a small section and analyse the finish once the paint is dry.

Failure To Tape Off Car Parts 

Imagine being in the middle of a spray painting project only to realise you have painted over one of the door handles or part of the headlights. Such scenarios can be frustrating because you must stop and correct your mistake before the paint dries. Unfortunately, you end up losing crucial time and effort. Taping off each nook and cranny that you do not want to paint enhances overall efficiency and prevents costly repairs.