Paint your BUS... "your own self"

[Highway Yacht]

I painted mine. Is it perfect? NO. Would I do it again? YES. I have over 900.00 in it. Tom Y

Tom..  Looks Super Great... What kind of paint did you use???

[Tom Y]

jlink, It is a high solids poyureathane. Mixed with reducer and hardner.  Tom Y

[Kwajdiver]

Now, for the other side of the story.

I painted my bus myself,,, three times trying to get it right.  It still sucks,,, of course for 50 yards away it looks great.  Up close is another story.   There are many things that can go wrong for a newbie.  Paint mix,,, paint gun,,, air pressure,,,, laying down the paint with the correct mix, air and motions can be a real learning curve.  Cheap paint guns are just that, cheap,,, I had one fail, after I had mixed $200 worth of paint.

Would suggest before you go spending 400-600 on primer, and paint, that you hire someone,,,, (a good friend is better) that knows how to paint.  He can shorten the learning curve by hundreds of $$$$$$$  If you do all the prep work, the sanding, body work if needed, removing trim, etc,,,, you should be able to find someone to help for under $500.00..  If you ask me, that is money well spent.

Good Luck,

Bill

[Kwajdiver]

Oophs,,,

Didn't mean to do the same photo twice.  Let me try again....

Bill

[Arnie MC-5]

I painted mine outside on a clear day.... with top quality materials, and a crew of like minded individuals..

Check my website page..     http://www.members.shaw.ca/arnsmith/3Conversion_project.htm

Arnie

[Don4107]

I has been mentioned but needs to be stressed.  Many of the paints are VERY dangerous.  Some will kill you outright or just make you wish you were dead.  Some will leave you with problems for the rest of your life with very little exposure. (me)  Please be careful.

[Highway Yacht]

If you want to save a few buck and still use an automotive based product try Valspar.

http://www.valsparrefinish.com/refinish/index.jsp

A friend of mine in the bodyshop business uses it from time to time on trucks and farm tractors. They also have a product similar to Imron but at a cheaper price. As far as durability it is hard to beat Imron. Later

I used a Valspar Paint 2 years ago when I painted my Golf Cart. It was really nice to work with and was very inexpensive.  All I had to do was mix the hardner with it, stir, and spray. I gave it 3 coats and it turned out really well with a nice smooth deep finish. I will definately consider valspar when painting the bus.

[Tom Y]

Bill, I agree with you on this. But I still wanted to do it, runs and all.

Arnie, Nice bus pics. Also a nice layout on your site.

Don4107, You are so right. I started with a respirator. and end up needing a pressurized mask. 

Tom Y