Few upgrades can revive an NA Miata quite like a fresh coat of paint and some dedicated bodywork. Not only does a quality job enhance the car’s appearance, but it also protects against wear and increases its value. Whether you’re looking to save costs with a DIY project or considering hiring a professional, this guide will walk you through every aspect of the process. From planning and prepping to painting and polishing, you’ll gain the confidence and know-how to turn your NA Miata into a showstopper. Let’s dive in and get started!

Prep Work…

Initial Assessment of the Vehicle’s Condition

Before you start, inspect the entire car thoroughly. Look for rust (especially in areas like wheel arches, rocker panels, and the underbody), dents, chips, scratches, and paint oxidation. Taking time for a detailed assessment helps you anticipate what needs to be addressed and which areas might require special attention. This step is especially crucial for avoiding unexpected hiccups as you progress with the project.

Budgeting and Planning

Setting a realistic budget upfront is key to a successful project. Professional paint jobs typically cost between $3,000 to $10,000, while DIY projects can range from a few hundred dollars to around $1,500, depending on the quality of materials. For a DIY project, consider the cost of paint, primer, clear coat, and equipment. Make sure to outline what you want to achieve with the paint job—a full restoration will cost more but offers a completely fresh start.

Choosing Between DIY or Professional Work

Deciding between DIY and professional work has its pros and cons. While DIY jobs can be cost-effective and rewarding, they require patience and a willingness to learn as you go. On the other hand, professionals deliver quality and consistency—ideal if you’re looking for a flawless, durable finish. Some shops may have concerns about working on a car prepped by the owner, so check with any prospective professional about what to expect.

Gathering Supplies

Essential Tools

Investing in the right tools will make your project much easier and improve the end result:

• Sanding Blocks: A variety of block sizes will help smooth both flat and curved surfaces. For large panels, using a long block is essential for preventing unevenness.
• DA Sander (Dual-Action): This tool is a time-saver, delivering even sanding for big areas.
• Spray Gun: A gravity-feed HVLP spray gun is recommended, as it minimizes overspray and offers consistent coverage.
• Masking Tape & Paper: Automotive-grade masking tape and paper are essential to avoid paint bleed-through. Avoid household items, as they tend to absorb paint, creating a mess.
• Polishers and Buffers: For polishing, wool pads remove deeper scratches, while foam pads are ideal for achieving a high gloss.

Materials

To achieve the best result, you’ll need a selection of primers, paints, and clear coats:

• Primer Types:
  • Epoxy Primer is ideal for bare metal due to its excellent adhesion and rust protection.
  • High-Build Primer helps fill minor imperfections and provides a smooth base.
  • Guide Coat highlights uneven spots as you sand, ensuring a flawless finish.
• Paint (Base Coat): For restoring the NA Miata’s factory colors, color matching is crucial. Whether you go with metallic or solid colors, keep in mind that metallics can be trickier to work with.
• Clear Coat: High-quality urethane clear coats protect the paint and provide gloss.

Safety Equipment

Safety first! Paint fumes can be harmful, so use respirators, gloves, and goggles to protect yourself throughout the process.

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Surface Preparation

Stripping Paint and Surface Prep

Proper preparation is crucial to achieving a smooth finish:

• Sanding Down to Bare Metal: Start with 80-grit sandpaper and work your way to finer grits for an even surface. For challenging areas, abrasive blasting can help you reach every corner.
• Using Chemical Strippers: These can be a good alternative to sanding. Apply the stripper evenly, and after removing the old paint, be sure to clean the surface with a grease remover to prevent any contaminants from affecting adhesion.

Filler Application

If there are dents or deep scratches, you’ll need to apply filler:

• Mixing Filler Correctly: Knead the hardener tube before mixing it with the filler to ensure a consistent cure.
• Applying Skim Coats: For a smoother result, apply thin layers and sand most of it off.
• Sanding the Filler: Start with 80-grit sandpaper and work up to 120-grit in a crosshatch pattern to ensure even coverage.

Surface Cleaning

Once you’ve sanded and applied filler, clean the entire car thoroughly with a grease remover to avoid bubbling or adhesion issues during painting.

Masking the Car

Carefully masking areas you don’t want painted is essential:

• Protecting Trim and Interior: If possible, remove trim, badges, and mirrors. Cover windows and headlights with plastic or paper.
• Detailed Masking Techniques: Use a stir stick to tuck masking tape under seals and edges for clean lines and to prevent overspray. Avoid using newspapers as they can absorb paint.

Applying Guide Coat

Guide coats are a valuable tool for identifying imperfections. Apply a light mist of guide coat each time you switch grits to track and smooth out any remaining uneven spots.

Priming the Car

A well-primed surface is the foundation of a great paint job:

• Epoxy Primer Application: Mix your epoxy primer in a 1:1 ratio, strain it, and start with a tack coat before applying a full coat.
• Layering Primer: Apply multiple layers of primer with drying time between coats. For areas needing extra leveling, use a high-build primer for additional thickness.

Paint Application

Base Coat

This is where your Miata starts to shine:

• Preparation and Testing: Adjust the spray gun fan pattern on masking paper to get an even application.
• Spraying the Base Coat: Begin with smaller areas like door jambs and edges before moving to large panels.
• Even Coats with 50% Overlap: Maintain a consistent distance (around 10 inches) and overlap each pass by 50% for uniform coverage.
• Drying Time Between Coats: Allow adequate drying time to prevent runs and uneven drying.

Clear Coat

A quality clear coat will protect your paint and add a glossy finish:

• Applying Multiple Coats: Apply two or three coats, starting with a tack coat and moving to wet coats for durability and shine.
• Maintaining a Consistent Spray Pattern: Stick with the 50% overlap and avoid spraying too close or too far to prevent inconsistencies.

Wet Sanding

For a polished look, start wet sanding:

• Starting with 600 Grit: Begin with 600 grit sandpaper to remove imperfections in the clear coat, then move up to 1000, 1500, and finally 2000 grit.
• Crosshatch Pattern: Sand in a crosshatch pattern to avoid swirl marks.
• Using Water During Sanding: Keep the surface wet for smooth results and to prevent clogging.

Buffing and Polishing

Buffing gives your Miata that mirror-like finish:

• Three-Step Buffing Process:
  • Wool Pad for removing 2000-grit scratches.
  • Medium Foam Pad for swirl removal.
  • Fine Foam Pad for a high-gloss finish.
• Final Touches: Use a tack cloth to remove any dust, and apply a high-quality polish for that extra shine.

Comparing Costs

The costs can vary greatly depending on your approach:

• DIY Costs: Expect to spend between $500 and $1,500 for materials like sandpaper, filler, primer, base coat, and clear coat.
• Professional Costs: Professional jobs start around $3,000 and can go up to $15,000 for high-end or custom work.

While DIY projects require time and patience, they offer a hands-on experience and potential savings. Professional jobs are great if you’re after flawless results but don’t mind the higher price tag.

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Completing a quality paint job on your NA Miata isn’t just about achieving a fresh look; it’s an opportunity to showcase your dedication and love for the car. Each stage of the process offers its own challenges and rewards. So, take your time, enjoy the work, and don’t hesitate to share your project with the Miata community. Whether you go DIY or pro, you’ll be rewarded with a car that truly reflects your vision.