Autobody & paint may certainly have one of life’s greatest rewards, but not without the basic essentials; so let’s live to tell about it.  The smell of paint and bondo to some may have a sweet smell that will linger in their minds the rest of their lives, but they also get to walk out of the bodyshop.  The painter doesn’t really have that luxury, since leaving the job midway through  would be devestating.  You certainly need to think preservation and about the basic essentials to assure yourself and your loved ones, you’ll make it home alive. I’m not trying to scare you but it happens, I’ve witnessed this once already and that says it all to me.  You must not only protect yourself, but also the environment, and those around you.  It never fails that when you are getting ready to do the days tasks, that you forget to have your basic essentials.  By basic essentials I mean items you’ll certainly need and want.  You’ll certainly want a decent pair of safety glasses (I know it but you gotta protect those eyes), a good quality dust mask and a paint respirator (full face OSHA approved).  Make sure you have the right size mask as they come in all sizes.  Other things you’ll desire to have is a box of latex gloves, they won’t last long but it’s better than trying to remove paint or bondo etc from your hands or worse yet your face.  It can be a daunting task.  Thinner works to remove them, but your blood, skin and the eyes really don’t care for it.  You’ll probably want a comfortable pair of work gloves as well as ear plugs.  Autobody and paint can be a “in your face battle” and you’ll be glad you got prepared.  These items should be available at your local autobody (parts) store (preferably the one that will mix your paint).

Next thing you’re gonna want to do is research the tools you need and what you already have. If you are only repainting your car your probably not gonna need a welder or grinder, sander, cut-off wheel, die grinder etc. For painting a car or truck etc you’ll be glad to know you need only a few things to get you started.  Locating a place to paint and do autobody work is an essential thing to consider of course, you can do it outside I suppose, if you’re in California, but either way you’re gonna need yourself a good air compressor, at least a 5-6 hp with a holding capacity of 60 gallons min.

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