Proper way to do a complete paint job

[Rocket]

For the guys who have had their entire cars painted, what is the proper way to do it? I know that the windows should be pulled. But should the car be stripped piece by piece to get it painted? OR, can a paint job turn out good when its painted with the bumpers and everything on it?

Also, can the rubber seal along the windows (doors) be replaced or does the whole window need to be replaced once they are removed? Any help would be appreciated!

[Psyc0]

Alot of places cover the windshield and areas they don't want painted w/ plastics and sheets and such and do the whole car together, there are various ways of doing it

[celicaGT01PA]

Some places will take your hatch off and cover up your windows, you'll just have to ask when you get there. I had my car re-painted and it came out horrible. If you can, i would recommend taking out your seats and panels, just so your car doesn't smell like paint on the inside. Good luck

[Rocket]

CELICAGT01PA: you had your whole car repainted spectra blue?

I don't think they're going to take out the seats for me, so i think i'll just have to air it out after. Plus i'll prolly want to wash the seat covers anyways.

Ya I spoke to the guy today. Hes going to take all the parts off and paint them, so I guess thats a good thing?

[aerospike2002]

Actually, I've heard from several quality body shops up here in NorCal that you don't want to take your windows out. I suppose that would be the ideal thing, but my sources confirm that the seals will NEVER the same again. It's up to you though....

[celicaGT01PA]

Yeah I stuck with the spectra blue because I still have a lot of plans for the car that i'm not sure about yet, but there is a little bit more purple in the paint so it gives it a little bit of a different look. Just be careful when they sand it down, I have some marks on my window trim. Even though they taped it off, it still got scratches.

[TRD GT-S]

wow you shaved your whole rear....got anymore pics?

[Rocket]

aerospike2002: interesting. If your car is involved in an accident, and your rear quarter panel needs to be replaced, how would they paint that part then? becuase they can't mask it off right, otherwise it will be noticeable.

[dvs1]

The paint is blended. Even on a new car there will be a slight color difference if the paint is not blended or "melted" together.

Let' say a 6 inch area has been repaired. The 6 inch area + the 2 inches around it will be painted. The outer most inch or so having the least amount of new base color paint applied to it, that will blend the "new" paint into the "old" paint as clear is applied.
The bumper, doors, or any other part really don't have to be painted off the car unless they are new or the areas behind the seams, or covered areas need paint coverage.

If you are replacing a quarter panel, the old one is cut off. The new one has to be welded on at specific points. The welds are grinded down & covered with body filler. The area is sanded & prepped then primered. Base coat & clear are applied & will probably be blended into the rear hatch, the door & jam, & the corner of the bumper on that side. The door, the quarter, hatch on that side, & bumper will be buffed to finish the job. That's a basic rear quarter job. More steps are taken, but that's mostly what goes on.
Also, window removal is highly unlikely unless it's a restoration or that glass was broken in a collision. A good tape job will protect the windows, interior, engine, & trim. Your car should be detailed before you get it back. If it's dirty or smells get on their a$$es. A good shop will not give back to you all messed up & smelly. Just sitting in the shop, will leave your car stinking. Sorry so long on the post.

[celicaGT01PA]

dvs1 you got it down. Some places also have an eye, that reads to color so if the color has changed, then can make an exact match, but they are still going to have to buff it.

Yeah I do have more pictures, but I didn't get to put them online yet. I just started setting up a yahoo pic book. I'll send you a PM when I get it done.

[MSR27]

I work at a shop and we paint cars by taking off all the mouldings, glass, doors, hatch, everything. Then we repair whatever needs to be repaired. Prime, prep, mask, paint. dvs 1 pretty much explained it all.