Help. I need pointers on a self paint job.(daughters car)

[Chlngrcrzy]

I need a few pointers guys. If i am going to tackle my challenger this summer, then i thought i would like to get in a little practice on my daughters car. Had a little accident, and now i get to replace the drivers door with one from a salvage yard. It is blue and somehow my daughter thinks i can magically make it black to match the rest of the car. Nothing fancy guys, just a quick job. After i rough up the paint, do i need to re-prime? After base coat, do i sand? and with what paper#? How soon after i base, can i clear coat? After clear coating, what next? what nozzle size do i use for base and clear. I want to use some inexpensive paint also. Just a few basic ideas would help. I thought of just taking the door to Maaco and having them paint it, but then i wouldn't be able to make my daughter feel bad about alll the hard work i put into painting the door, and i would be still one of those guys that wants to try painting. Who knows, this might put me over the edge.

[shawge]

Read and follow the directions on the p-sheets for the paint you plan on using.  It will have all the info on surface prep, # of coats required, dry times, and suggested tip sizes. 

Here's what I would do:
- remove as much trim as possible, clean and degrease the door
- prep for and spray an epoxy sealer, read the p-sheet for what the surface needs to be sanded with
- prep for and spray the base coat(s) within the sealer window
- prep for and spray the clear coat(s) within the base coat window

[Bullitt-]

I bought this book a coupe of year ago at a local store... covers the basics & things to avoid
http://books.google.com/books?id=2QU9zRN-2igC&dq=paint+your+own+car&pg=PP1&ots=UHxBLQyzyg&source=in&sig=tRwaXuzj96Hp4Q25c2PBMbT-LsY&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=9&ct=result#PPP1,M1

[elitecustombody]

you will need red scotch brite pad, 320 or 400 grit sandpaper,remove all trim,wash the door with soap and water, rinse and dry, using red scotch brite scuff pad,scuff the entire door untill the surface becomes all uniform where you can't see any shiny spots, wipe down with wax  & grease remover or alcohol, blow it off,hang or lay it on a stand,blow off and using tack cloth remove any dust or lint right before applying basecoat(most basecoats have 1:1 mixing ratio)check the tech sheet or label on the can,I'd probably use fast reducer since it doesn't get too hot this time of the year,overlaping each pass about 50%, apply a medium coat ,allow it to flash for about 5-10 minutes come back with medium wet coat and let it flash about 10-15 minute depending on the outside temperature,usually black covers in two coats,if you still think the coverage is insufficient, apply one more medium coat and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes, mix the clearcoat( most cheap clears have 4:1 mixing ratio)if not, follow the tech sheet or label on the container ,try to use fast hardener since you're doing only one panel,run a tack cloth over the surface to pick up any loose lint or dust,overlaping 50% each pass  apply clearcoat to the outside of the door,let it flash for about 10 minutes,shoot the jamb or the backside of the door shell and then the rest of the door,let it sit/hang for 5-10 hours depending on the environment, install the door on the car followed with the trim,don't forget to clean your spray gun right after you finish painting

btw, there is absolutely no need to apply any type of primer if there is nothing wrong with the paint on the used door
spray gun should have 1.3-1.5 fluid tip,

hope that helps,but if I were you ,I'd check the prices on the materials and supplies and getting few quotes before doing the painting yourself,cause you will have atleast $150-200 in materials ,and you can get the door shot with black paint for around $100-150 at most shops,if you just bring them a  door shell without the trim

Stefan

[71chally416]

Nothing fancy guys, just a quick job.

Go to the local Autozone or PepBoys and buy a can of black enamel that closely matches the color. Clean the door off with something that will remove all the wax and dirt and then hit it with a new scotchbrite pad. Wipe it off real good and tape it up and spray it. When it dries remove the tape and paper. If you have a young Daughter you will be doing this often. 

[Chlngrcrzy]

Go to the local Autozone or PepBoys and buy a can of black enamel that closely matches the color. Clean the door off with something that will remove all the wax and dirt and then hit it with a new scotchbrite pad. Wipe it off real good and tape it up and spray it. When it dries remove the tape and paper. If you have a young Daughter you will be doing this often. 

I have 2 young daughters that are driving :bricks1:I bought this car from an insurance auction here in my city. It already had a little damage, but with kids driving, i knew it would not be the last time or the first and only dent in it. Great deal at the time, a 98 escort for only $700.  It has given me no trouble and i am gaining all this great experience.
Thanks for all the help guys. Stefan, i had aquote for $100 by a shop to paint fo it, but i think i am going to try. I want to get a feel for what it might be like, besides i may have to resort to spray cans or give my daughters an autobody hammer and dolly set and a can of bondo for Christmas.

[elitecustombody]

Nothing fancy guys, just a quick job.

lol, somehow I missed that part, yeah, a trip to autozone or pepboys should do the trick,but to do more fancy job, you'd have to buy some single stage acrylic enamel,harbor freight spray gun and go to town