How much paint do I need?

[86k20-ds]

I’m thinking about repainting my 86 k20 on a budget with some rattle cans. I was hoping to do a dark blue/white original style two-tone job. Does anyone know how much paint I’d need, or any tips or tricks I could use?

 

[Doppleganger]

I would think thats a whole lot more $ than spraying it single stage.

I'm doing base-clear.....was told 1.5 gal (3 gallons mixed)....and I'm hoping thats enough.

Cheapest way I could think would be a gallon of truck and tractor enamel and rollering it on. Seriously.

 

[Ricko1966]

I would think thats a whole lot more $ than spraying it single stage.

I'm doing base-clear.....was told 1.5 gal (3 gallons mixed)....and I'm hoping thats enough.

Cheapest way I could think would be a gallon of truck and tractor enamel and rollering it on. Seriously.

I'd spray it,even with a cheapo gun. It's still going to be less$ and a better outcome than 900 spray cans. But honestly I'd pony up for some budget single stage auto paint and a cheap gun.

 

[mxer147]

That’s what I did, summit single stage paints, white and orange, purchased 2 gallons orange, one gallon white, plus reducer, and hardener. Don’t forget all the prep work and primer needed for the paint to stay on the surface. Lots of surface area on these old trucks which equals a lot of work.

 

[Sad Sack]

Best budget option is to get ‘er to primer and find a local sprayer like MAACO. Have painted plenty but rattle canning it will be cost prohibitive. If you have space and equipment then things could happen but not enough info to give you an honest opinion or brush it on then pray.

 

[Cipriano]

I just recently learned about the Rustoleum Turbo line of spraypaints. From the YouTube videos I've seen, it makes quick work of the job, with a huge fan spray

 

[mxer147]

I’d consider a camouflaged paint job, look good as well, hides imperfections and reasonable cost.

 

[Moodyalaskan]

If you are going to rattle can it, use good quality paint and most importantly make sure all the paint cans have the same lot number. Different lot numbers can be a slightly different shade of color.

 

[84GMCSierra]

I’m thinking about repainting my 86 k20 on a budget with some rattle cans. I was hoping to do a dark blue/white original style two-tone job. Does anyone know how much paint I’d need, or any tips or tricks I could use?

My dad did our 65 Suburban Carryall back in the 80's with rattlecans. Took 36 to do the bottom. Can't remember how many for the top. He did it in Caterpillar Yellow and white. Looked pretty good

 

[bucket]

I just recently learned about the Rustoleum Turbo line of spraypaints. From the YouTube videos I've seen, it makes quick work of the job, with a huge fan spray

Color selection of the Turbo cans is very limited. Also, as far as paint runs go, you can get it done if perfect technique is executed. Sort of like playing with fire- if not careful, it'll burn you real quick.

 

[bucket]

As far as how many cans it actually takes, it can vary widely. It all depends on what you are spraying over, your color selection and the brand of paint too. One brand or color might take twice as much (literally) paint than it would with another.

For painting an entire vehicle, a cheap spray gun and some cheap automotive paint is more cost effective than spray cans.

 

[Sad Sack]

...or rattle can bed liner, will go on thicker than rattle can paint.

 

[legopnuematic]

...or rattle can bed liner, will go on thicker than rattle can paint.

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[Sad Sack]

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Well, it would be more durable and don't think worrying about each panel looking the same would be an issue, jus' sayin'...of course it would add about 400 lbs to the total weight of the truck one would imagine.

 

[legopnuematic]

@Sad Sack yes functionally it works, but it makes it hell on earth for the next guy if they wanted to paint it properly.

To the op:
I’d suggest at minimum using a quart/gallon of enamel and spraying it with a spray gun versus spray cans. Even better to use some hardener, that will improve it a little more too.

Or a lower end single stage urethane would be a big step up over oil enamel.