How to Custom Paint over Existing Paint

by | Dec 1, 2015 | Customer Custom Paint Pictures and Testimonials | 7 comments

Blue Crystal Pearl on Truck from a few feet away. Prepping your existing paint is important when you are learning how to custom paint.

How to Custom Paint Over Existing Paint: Prepping Your Paint Job

🎨 The “Scuff and Shoot” Custom Paint Job

If your car’s existing paint is in **good condition**, but you want to **add a custom paint effect**, this guide will show you how to properly prep the surface for **Ghost Pearls, Candy Pearls, Metal Flake, or Thermochromic paints**.

🔧 Step 1: Remove & Mask Essential Parts

Before sanding, remove as much hardware as possible, such as **taillights, mirrors, and side markers**. **Do not remove parts you intend to paint.** Mask any areas that could be **damaged by sanding**, like **grilles, door handles, chrome, or rubber trim**.

🛠 Step 2: Surface Preparation

Use **600-grit wet sandpaper** or a **red Scotch-Brite scrubbing pad** to remove the gloss from the surface. The goal is to create a **dull, rough texture** that ensures **better paint adhesion**. **Do not skip this step!**

🧼 Step 3: Cleaning & Masking

Mask **all areas** that could be affected by **overspray**. Use a **wax and grease remover** like PPG’s DT-330 to clean the surface before painting. Important: After cleaning, **do not touch** the surface with bare hands. If you wait before painting, **clean again before applying paint**.

🎨 Step 4: Choose Your Custom Paint Effect

The rest of the paint job depends on the **custom effect you choose**. Follow our **detailed instructions** for each type:

📜 Need More Help?

📥 Download Our Detailed Instructions 🌍 Visit Our Old Website for More Guides – Matt

7 Comments

  1. atiba
    atiba on December 6, 2015 at 12:03 pm

    hey matt i recently had my car done with your green to blue flip pearl (75 grams), but the painter have to repair 4 over spray spots on my door edges. how much pigment do you suggest i need? please reply as soon as need this repair before next week.

    • matt
      matt on December 6, 2015 at 12:09 pm

      Probably 1 bag, unless you are repainting the entire sides. Then I would recommend 2 bags.

  2. atiba
    atiba on December 6, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    thanks, professional opinion what would be the best solution for me

    • matt
      matt on December 6, 2015 at 1:37 pm

      What kind o paint are you looking for? What are you looking to do?

  3. atiba
    atiba on December 6, 2015 at 4:55 pm

    i want the painter to correct the over sprays on my green to blue flip (caribbean gold) paint job, i was looking for the safe way to go. I ordered 4 25 grams packs going to let him redo the entire car just incase the blending does not match

    • matt
      matt on December 7, 2015 at 12:20 pm

      Thanks!

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