Hand car paint

[martauto]

I have an e46 hard top which needs painting and was thinking of painting it by hand as opposed to an expensive spray job but cant seem to find which type to use, so can anyone advise me please ?
Gloss black.

Mart.

[Brianmoooore]

We had another team member once who had a preference for Dulux.

[martauto]

We had another team member once who had a preference for Dulux.

I once painted my Viva HA in blue Dulux with our kid after a load of Stella`s from bright red to mid blue.............it lasted the winter with no signs of coming off !!!

But on a serious note, I think this is possible, the top only goes on when the clocks go back and I only see the thing in the dark and if it is that bad then next year we will look again.
With a bloody good brush I would like to give it go ................

Mart.

[steve_k]

well having painted a few cars by hand myself over the years it is very possible to get a dam good finish if you take you time & dont mind wet sanding between coats.

also dont use a brush use some small gloss foam rollers (4" in length) as they give a better spread of the paint.

[flybynite]

We had another team member once who had a preference for Dulux.

I once painted my Viva HA in blue Dulux

Funny you should mention that but the one and only thing I painted by brush was a Viva Van Learned to spray after that

If you insist on not spraying it I would get something that is meant for the job like coach paint and as Steve said above use a well soaked gloss roller.

Can't help thinking a couple of rattle cans would make a better job though especially on a nice warm day?

[martauto]

well having painted a few cars by hand myself over the years it is very possible to get a dam good finish if you take you time & dont mind wet sanding between coats.

also dont use a brush use some small gloss foam rollers (4" in length) as they give a better spread of the paint.

How about this product ?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1L-Gloss-Bla ... 2918094910

Mart.

[steve_k]

well having painted a few cars by hand myself over the years it is very possible to get a dam good finish if you take you time & dont mind wet sanding between coats.

also dont use a brush use some small gloss foam rollers (4" in length) as they give a better spread of the paint.

How about this product ?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1L-Gloss-Bla ... 2918094910

Mart.

that looks like it would be up to the job,

yes it will need to be thinned but not too much, between each coat give it a light wet sanding & build up the coats, i'd say about 4 or 5 should do it.

[Satan]

Get some vinyl wrap from eBay and wrap it.

[Cloggy Saint]

Get some vinyl wrap from eBay and wrap it.

This would be a much better option, I can't imagine painting it with a brush/roller would ever look good.

[flybynite]

Get some vinyl wrap from eBay and wrap it.

This would be a much better option, I can't imagine painting it with a brush/roller would ever look good.

I don't know about that, getting vinyl to go round the compound curve of an E46 hard top, not the easiest as it would need to be done in one piece.

Could end up with more bubbles than a fairy liquid factory

I'd rattle can plasti-dip it matt black, no harm done. When yo want to change it or spray it properly just peel it off

[martauto]

Get some vinyl wrap from eBay and wrap it.

Not too bad an idea mate !!
Ill look into this.

Mart.

[Satan]

Get some vinyl wrap from eBay and wrap it.

This would be a much better option, I can't imagine painting it with a brush/roller would ever look good.

I don't know about that, getting vinyl to go round the compound curve of an E46 hard top, not the easiest as it would need to be done in one piece.

Could end up with more bubbles than a fairy liquid factory

I'd rattle can plasti-dip it matt black, no harm done. When yo want to change it or spray it properly just peel it off

Can't imagine it costing much for a pro to do it as you use a heat gun, redid my handles on my Legacy and they came out okay, I know they are small in comparison........

[Speedtouch]

Rust-oleum is reported to give excellent results, either brushed or rolled on.

[Satan]

Or go "Olde Skool" and get some propah vinyl..............

[miniblob]

Seen some good guides to painting online that go through all the steps & materials - seen some good results from just rattle cans (supposedly).
Never actually got round to trying it though.

Although I did paint parts of an old mini back together with hammerite once - hammer finish, 'cos I knew I'd never get it smooth and then it looked intentional!!!

[Andyboy]

How to make a valuable E46 hardtop next to worthless.

F*cking bodgers. It'll cost 200 quid to paint it properly for Christs sake.

[flybynite]

How to make a valuable E46 hardtop next to worthless.

F*cking bodgers. It'll cost 200 quid to paint it properly for Christs sake.

E46 and valuable in the same sentence??

Maybe I shouldn't go ripping the engine out and fragging my 330 sport after all

[martauto]

How to make a valuable E46 hardtop next to worthless.

F*cking bodgers. It'll cost 200 quid to paint it properly for Christs sake.

I was quoted @£550-£650 to have it painted in the correct car colour but now I have no job its a no brainer !!
I was just exploring different ideas thats all, and if I get a couple of really good days , then it will get some satin black on until spring time when I may be in a better possition finance wise.

Mart.

[Satan]

Put something on the hard top that can easily be removed.......