How much paint do I need?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Sad Sack

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2024
Posts
2,640
Reaction score
5,506
Location
Nebraska
First Name
Goober
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
C15
Engine Size
305
@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.
Well yes, the next guy would probably be inventing new cuss words trying to revert it...
If on a really really tight budget, I be renting or borrowing a portable air compressor, buy a cheap siphon gun, water separator and use Duplicolors PaintShop RTS and hope for the best..
 
Last edited:

75BEASTK20

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2024
Posts
114
Reaction score
152
Location
B.C. CANADA
First Name
Cal
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
427
I use POR-15. First prime it with their base coat good. Light sand between. Then Top Coat it in whatever color they have. I use white because it hides a lot of imperfections. Then light sand again, and a clear coat top. TAKE YOUR TIME. Blow it off with a compressor between coats so you don't have dust on it. It takes a lot of time. If you're going to do it in your garage, poly EVERYTHING that you don't want paint dust on. Close the door until it's just open enough for 2 or 3 box fans to fit, and turn the box fans on to take out the clouds of fumes etc. Wear a PROPER mask (3M is good) and have fun. It won't be perfect, but it will be good. It's an ultra cheap down draft paint booth. Hokey, but it works. DO NOT use a roller. LOL. I did once and it was REALLY BAD. Orange peel everywhere. Hope this helps.
 

bucket

Super Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Posts
35,125
Reaction score
43,715
Location
Usually not in Ohio
First Name
Andy
Truck Year
'77, '78, '79, '84, '88
Truck Model
K5 thru K30
Engine Size
350-454
@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.

Imho, hosing down a truck with bedliner (whether it be a professional job or spray cans) devalues a truck by 100%.
 

Sad Sack

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2024
Posts
2,640
Reaction score
5,506
Location
Nebraska
First Name
Goober
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
C15
Engine Size
305
Imho, hosing down a truck with bedliner (whether it be a professional job or spray cans) devalues a truck by 100%.
Certainly doesn't help that's for sure. Only something I'd do if I didn't give a rats a$$ about resell value...adds too much weight also.
 

Bennyt

Full Access Member
Joined
May 17, 2019
Posts
1,616
Reaction score
2,924
Location
Surprise
First Name
Ben
Truck Year
1977
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
350
Tractor Supply has some inexpensive tractor paint in gallons. I painted a Jeep CJ7 with Rustoleum gallons from HD. Turned out very well.

I tried some of those "Paintshop" quarts from O'Reillys and didn't like it at all.
 

Ricko1966

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2017
Posts
9,954
Reaction score
19,098
Location
kansas
First Name
Rick
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
c20
Engine Size
350
If you are using fans as an impromptu garage paint booth, have them blow air into the garage through filters,even a bed sheet. Do not suck possibly combustible fumes through electric fan motors. Depends on what you are spraying and at what concentration,but not worth the risk.
 

CountKrunk

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2023
Posts
982
Reaction score
2,275
Location
SW VA
First Name
Count
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
C20 Custom Deluxe 3+3
Engine Size
v8 350
Imho, hosing down a truck with bedliner (whether it be a professional job or spray cans) devalues a truck by 100%.
Thats how i got my running, driving, and braking c20 crew can long bed for 3000 haha.

Super ****** black rattle can job
 

Sad Sack

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2024
Posts
2,640
Reaction score
5,506
Location
Nebraska
First Name
Goober
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
C15
Engine Size
305
Thats how i got my running, driving, and braking c20 crew can long bed for 3000 haha.

Super ****** black rattle can job
Anyone who wants to rattle can paint a square is asking for one sore index finger. They have like 200 - 300 sq ft of exterior surface.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
48,414
Posts
1,066,921
Members
42,801
Latest member
rafamartz
Top