So I've managed to get into not one but TWO fender benders over the past week or so. I'm replacing the front clip and maybe the two fenders as well. Anyway what is the best spray paint to use for painting body panels? My paint code is PJN, duplicolor doesn't make a match for it and I don't want to pay $25 a can for the other "prefect match" brands. I just want it to be sort of close. Any other brands that stand out as better quality? What sort of prep work is involved? Any other tips for doing this sort of painting? The replacement panels are currently gunmetal blue.

 

How good it comes out depends on how much prep you do to it. Ideally you would want to sand to bare metal (or fiberglass) then use a self etching primer, sand it, clean it, paint it with quality paint, sand it, clean it, and clear coat.

Realistically, if you sand it down pretty good so it's rough then do several light coats and several coats of clear it will come out decent.

 

Even a body shop couldn't get a perfect match without blending adjacent panels so just run with the duplicolor auto paint. Use some 600 grit sand paper to scuff the replacement panels and wipe it down with some thinner followed up with a tac cloth.
Spray a thin first coat followed by a heavier 2nd and a wet 3rd. Basically follow the directions on the spray can. I've used the duplicolor stuff...has been pretty durable.

 

Just YouTube roll on paint job my buddy did it on his for about 50 bucks whole thing. And I am about to do the same when it warms up a bit. It looks pretty decent

 

Alright great thanks for the tips. I'll try to get to Advanced here soon and check out my paint options.

 

I did the roller paint job on my hood and it came out great despite sme mistakes I made. It's another option.......

 

Monstaliner.