My dirty little secret...

[Gforrest2]

I too am a DIYer and hate to pay someone to do something that I think I can do myself (last week replaced my gas furnace with a new one I bought on Ebay).

Painted my bumperettes and a bumper cover for my F-150 from paint I got from automotivetouchup.com. Also painted my kid's fender panel. Other posters are correct; you are not a professional painter, don't have pro tools, or a paint booth. But I think you can achieve good results. Check out the video on their site where they refinish a bumper here: Bumper Repaint Job | Touch Up Paint | AutomotiveTouchup

Yes, they make it look easier than it really is and left out a couple of finishing steps. A few things to keep in mind. Get the plastic adhesion promotor and get the little gun that clips on to the spray can. I like to get close to the work, so I also got their respirator - the fumes are very strong. Also, to get a good gloss finish, it took some effort with some very fine wet/dry sandpaper and light rubbing compound.

My painted bumperettes thread is here: http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/30418-4-hours-$50-later.html

Color matched materials will run about $100. Good luck!

[Mark_T]

Originally Posted by Gforrest2

I too am a DIYer and hate to pay someone to do something that I think I can do myself (last week replaced my gas furnace with a new one I bought on Ebay).

Did you soap the gas fitting joints to check for leaks?

[Timco]

Originally Posted by Mark_T

Did you soap the gas fitting joints to check for leaks?

Wonder what the combustion numbers (CO output) are more importantly.....they are altitude sensitive......

[jb92563]

It is possible to do a great DIY job if you buy good equipment and practice first.

I resprayed an airplane in my garage. Turned out really nice except for a run that developed on an underside of the fuselage.

I spent $450 for a decent HVLP sprayer and another $400 for the presurized suit fresh air suppy.

Built a plastic tent inside the garage and it worked out alright. I practiced quite a bit though beforehand.

I saved myself about $8000 and now have equipment for my next project

[PorscheBound]

Didn't read entire thead so sorry if this is repeated info. I I work at a body shop. Saw someone say something about 80-100 bucks an hour and for labor..... Most shops are 42-50 an hour. 85-100 are mechanical rates. That job is tops 500 bucks . That damage is so minimal it would take a tech 20 mins to have that thing to the painters. Also saw something about having to paint the whole bumper for a clean job.... Again not true. Blending out the color and full clear is all that is needed.