VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Body - Sheet Metal, Paint & Wood How much paint?

How much paint (un-thinned) should I buy for my 1/2 ton pickup? Lets say I paint the whole truck one color. Just the sheet metal, both sides fenders, hood, bed, etc.

The amount of paint will vary depending on the paint equipment, the paint system and the experience of the painter. If HPLV then 2-4 quarts is reasonable. If conventional it will take twice that amount. If base coat clear coat then it will take nearly two times the amount of a single stage system.

I'm not sure but I don't think 1 gallon of paint will do the entire truck. Could you possibly be mistaken? I want to mix my color but will not be able to mix more after the first batch.

I think you can get decent coverage with one gallon of properly thinned paint, like Chipper says it probably will take more if you go color coat clear coat, I always try to get 25% more than what I expect to use,( single coat is my bag) and have some left for flubs, I usually have my share of flubs! The best paint job I ever did was one on a wore out Craftsman lawn mower with Acrylic Enamel, I just quickly sanded it and shot it twice and let it dry.
As expensive as paint is now one tends to be more careful with waste, some commercial paint shops aren't putting as thick of coats of paint on as they once did, The paint jobs look good but they are very thin.

HI green,

Not sure of what year your pickup is - but it takes one gallon of unreduced paint to paint a 73-86 pickup.

If bc/cc figure on 6 qts of clear.

Good point Bowtieollie, a truck with the wooden bed takes some what less.

I agree with both Mack and Ollie. But as I wrote is really depends on the three factors. If you are an experienced painter with an excellant quality HPLV paint gun than you can paint a single stage system on a '30s pickup (wood bed) with 2 quarts of paint on the body and another quart on the fenders. If it is more modern (larger) and an all metal box with and separate fenders then it might take one gallon or a little more. If you use a conventional gun then double the amount of paint.

Since you are asking then I assume that you are not experienced. So I would definately buy and extra 50-100%. You WILL make mistakes that will take extra paint to fix. I make mistakes so always plan to buy a quart extra. Seem to have extra quarts left over for most jobs but every now and then I use the last drop and would really like a bit more. If you are having someone else paint for you then go with their suggestions.

A painter gave me a hint on how to help "save" left over paint for use later. If you do have left over paint in the can, put the lid on nice and tight and store the can upside down. :eek:

Don't really understand why this would help, but at the price of paint I will try almost anything. :cool2:

Hey Mack,
I think the reason for your phenominal success with the lawn mower is a term we used to call "Professional Nonchalance". Which means the same as the harder you try the more you scr*w it up.
Herb

Gator I think the upside down paint trick refers to spray cans..chef-

Herb, I think you are exactly correct, The harder I try the more I flub! but it surely is perplexing, specially when you care so much because these old cars mean to us!

I turn the spray can upside down and spray a little (until "clear") to get the paint out of the orifice so its' not clogged up the next time I try to use the spray can.

storing left over paint in upside down tins works. I have some paint for 10 years and is still useable but better if you dont shake tin to check between times. keeping air out is the idea. Be carefull when opening as there can be a pressure duild up in can and splatters paint with pressure release.

tonyw,

yes, and storing it in the smallest, tallest container helps, too...this reduces the volume of paint-curing air in the container and surface area...both things that will allow the paint to skim or harden in the container...


epi

I assume here that the paint can should be as full as possible? Fill to the brim and cover will a shop coth and pound (tap) the top on tight and turn upside down.

Is this the right assumption? :confused:

gator,

that's right...a half gallon of paint stored in two one-quart cans will stay fresher than in a half-filled gallon container...


epi

cool

This site is better than the discovery channel.
Now what's your tips on keeping beer fresh!
(I think I already know the JYD's answer)

Right..........DRINK IT!!!!!

OK...Ya know if I have one more...I might buy that '41!!!!!

Burp!

After that last cool one, that 41's 3 tone dash looks mighty fine to me!

Store the left over paint in the empty beer cans. This could make some people repaint their cars just to have the empty cans.

What if they drink the paint thinking it's beer?

My Oh My, What will we think of for a conversation piece after this?