- 1). Remove any rubber body trim or badges from the door. Use a razor blade to separate the double-sided tape on the back of the trim from the car door and pull the trim away. Scrape off any remaining tape or adhesive residue with your razor blade.
- 2). Pour mineral spirits on a lint-free towel. Wipe the door down with the towel to remove any dirt, wax or oil that will prevent the paint from adhering to the door.
- 3). Prepare a solution of clean water and dish soap. Soak a piece of 600-grit sandpaper in the solution. Wet-sand the door with the sandpaper to roughen the surface and remove any raised areas in the original paint. Wash the door thoroughly with soap and water to remove sanding dust. Dry with a lint-free towel.
- 4). Mask off the areas of the car and the door that you do not want to paint, such as the fenders and roof. Use a high-quality painter's tape and newspaper to mask these areas. Cover the door handle, the window, the frame and the inside of the door with painter's tape.
- 5). Prepare a small amount of primer, following all directions. Pour the primer into the cup of the spray gun. Spray the door with two light coats of primer, overlapping each successive stroke to ensure even coverage. Allow the primer to set for at least 20 minutes, or as directed by the manufacturer. Wet-sand the primer coat. Remove sanding dust with mineral spirits and a lint-free towel.
- 6). Prepare a small amount of your base color, following all directions. Pour the base color into the cup of the spray gun. Spray the door with two to three coats of the base color, overlapping each successive stroke to ensure even coverage. Allow at least 24 hours for the base color to cure. Wet-sand the base color with 1000- to 1200-grit sandpaper. Clean the door with mineral spirits and a lint-free towel to remove sanding dust.
- 7). Prepare a small amount of clear coat, following all directions. Pour the clear coat into the cup of the spray gun. Spray the door with two to four coats of the clear coat, overlapping each successive stroke to ensure even coverage. Allow at least 24 hours for the clear coat to cure.
- 8). Remove any imperfections in the clear coat with 1500-grit sandpaper soaked in soapy water. Wipe off sanding dust with mineral spirits and a lint-free towel. Buff the clear coat with an electric hand-buffer and automotive polish.
- 9). Remove the painter's tape and newspaper from the car. Pull the tape off at a 180-degree angle to prevent lifting the fresh paint off the door. Reinstall the door's rubber trim and badges using weatherproof double-sided tape.
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