Editing Cheapo paint job

{{youcanedit}}

Hotrodding forums frequently witness posts by hotrodders endorsing various (and numerous) "cheapo" methods of painting a vehicle.

The overwhelming consensus of body professionals and experienced hotrodders is that, in most cases, "Cheapo" paint jobs simply aren't worthwhile. There are many clever and reasonable ways to save money while build a hot rod, and, overall, aggressively scrimping on the paint job does not seem to be among them.

==What's a "cheapo" paint job?==
*Cheap professional shops (ie: Maaco).
*Cheap, "easy-to-apply" products (ie: Duplicolor).
*Rattle can options.
*Rustoleum.
*Paint rollers.

==Why is the "cheapo" paint job so tempting?==
*the learning curve: selecting equipment and learning how to use it, choosing finish products, getting a few screwups under your belt
*automotive paint costs a lot. people who have never bought car paint are used to paying "house paint" prices for paint, so hundreds per gallon seems very high

==Why not do a "cheapo" paint job?==
*Time invested in mechanical aspect of job.
*Deterioration of finish over time.
*Value of paint job relevant to value of rest of vehicle is disproportionate.

==When is a "cheapo" paint job appropriate?==
*Work truck.
*Beater.
*Vehicle that will see farm or utility use.
*Learning basic paint techniques.

==The "right" way to properly paint a car==
Put basics in here, and see: [[First paint job]].