I have decided to paint the grey bumpers and side panels on my 325ic. I'm getting a M body kit eventually, so getting the grey parts painted professionally is pointless and would be a waste of money. I need something that will hold me over, but also not look like utter crap. I don't think it's possible to make it look worse than it already does. I'd like to make this as cheap as possible as this is only a temporary fix.

Concerning Towerpaint.com and Paintscratch.com

What is the difference in what they are selling? Tower's cans are 16oz and cost $14.99 each. Paintscratch's cans are 12.5oz and cost $24.95.

Paintscratch spells it out clearly that their kits are a base coat clear coat deal. Tower is more vague in what you are getting. I tried calling them, but they are closed after 12pm on Saturdays. Understandable.

The whole paint in a can thing looks like it should theoretically work for me, but I have heard mixed reviews about going the canned spray paint route.

I started reading about people getting good results using HVLP guns and although I already know I don't want to spend a ton of cash, I figured I'd look into it. As I expected, I found alot of professional (expensive) equipment but then I found these:

http://www.gleempaint.com/wagfinhvrec.html

http://www.gleempaint.com/fine-spray-hvlp-2400.html

Yes, I know Wagner painters are typically known and used for home use on furniture etc, but would it be possible to obtain good results with either of the above painters? They are both HVLP and are not prohibitively expensive.

I presume that I would be able to use the more traditional auto painting methods with either unit (i.e. reducer, hardener etc). Maybe not though.

Any thoughts from any of you paint guru's out there? Would I be able to use the same sort of materials (paint, hardener, reducer, primer, sealer etc etc) that one would normally use in one of those professional units?

Thoughts? Experiences? Answers?

Thanks,
Scott

I don't know if you saw in the other post, but I highly recomend automotive laquer in a spray can. I painted some mirrors the other day, and it came out flawless. It really does look like an OEM finish. If you want to spend little but still want a good finish, espicially since this is temporary...this is definetly the way to go.

I ended up buying my supplies from automotivetouch.com (since they actually go and research your paint and make it on a per order basis to insure match), but I liked the spray can instructions from paintscratch.

Just follow the instructions and you will be fine. My only advice is to go slow and use many coats.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask.

I have a pair of M3 mirrors that I was going to wait to have professionally painted along with the he rest of the M parts, but since yours came out really well, I may give it a try.

I think that you meant automotivetouchup.com, you just left out the "up."

Can you list what all you bought from there? Did you deviate from the steps on Paintscratch.com at all?

Also, is there any benefit from the aerosol spray trigger they sell, or is that just something that is unnecessary?

I have a pair of M3 mirrors that I was going to wait to have professionally painted along with the he rest of the M parts, but since yours came out really well, I may give it a try.

I think that you meant automotivetouchup.com, you just left out the "up."

Can you list what all you bought from there? Did you deviate from the steps on Paintscratch.com at all?

Also, is there any benefit from the aerosol spray trigger they sell, or is that just something that is unnecessary?

Oh sorry, yes I meant automotivetouchup.

First off, ATP (along with paint scratch) jacks up there prices alot IMO. For example, the primer and adhesion promoter is almost $8 + shipping (yeah i know i'm a cheap guy :D ). I actually went to advanced auto parts and bought the sandable duplicolor primer for 3 bucks. Advanced didnt have the adhesion promoter in stock (was also 3 bucks), so I ended up buying it from ATP. I also bought tack rags and assorted wet/dry sandpaper from advanced.

From ATP, I bought the base coat, clear (I didn't find lacquer clear in stores), and rubbing compound (which I also didnt find in stores).

I bought only one can of everything (primer, base, clear). I ended up using all of the base and primer on two mirrors (I think I did too many coats possibly).

On following the instructions, I think I should clarify. I thoroughly read the paintscratch instructions but I loosely followed the ATP directions keeping the paintscatch tips/techniques in mind. Paintscratch gave a better overview on more specific thigns to look out for, but when I started painting the ATP is what I had printed out next to me.

As far as the gun goes, you can try it if y ou want. I personally did not use this. I felt the regular old cans from ATP had great control, accuracy, and feel.

All in all, spray painting is fun, easy, and you can achieve great results as long as you take your time and research (looks like you got that down). I'm positive you'll be happy with your results.

Hope this helps!

I bought a can of base from paintscratch and a can of duplicolor clear. Turned out really well, better than the paint that's on my car now.. One can doesn't cover very much though, it only got me through the fuel door, 2 mudflap/trim pieces, and 1 mirror. After spraying the clear there's a lot of orangepeel, wet sanding would fix it I'm sure, but I haven't worked up enough courage to do that yet. Prep is everything too, before you paint make sure you sanded with 400 grit or finer. I only used 220 and I could still see some sanding marks under the paint.

well tell me what you think.
http://bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=553270

Looks great. Do you have any close up pics?

Looks great. Do you have any close up pics?
The bottom is really dirty right now. It has been raining here for the last few days. Really upclose you can tell it was spraypainted, but you will have to investigate. But if your leg is touching the bumper for rocker panel and you look at it you can't really notice it. Bottom line for 20-30 for paint for everything rather than 200-500 I think it is really good.
I would get you some close ups if it wasn't dirty. I will try though