How to Paint the Hood of a Car

Co-authored by Tommy Goldberg

Last Updated: October 12, 2024 Approved

An old or rusted hood can be reconditioned to look as good as new by applying a fresh coat of paint. First, wash the car and treat any rust stains so the paint sticks properly. Either spray paint or liquid paint can be used, but always work slowly to apply several even layers of primer and paint. Then take your car on the road to show off the new look!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning the Hood

Download Article

1
Wash the hood with soap and water. Pick a day when you have time to devote to painting the car. Start by washing the hood to clear away grime. Use a car wash soap purchased from an automotive store, then rinse it off with water from a hose.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Household soaps aren’t recommended since they tend to damage the finish.
You can find sanding sponges at any home improvement store. While the car is wet, gently rub the sponge over the hood. This cuts into the paint, which helps the new coating adhere better when you apply it later.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Dry the car completely in sunlight. You can use a clean microfiber cloth to absorb most of the moisture. No matter what, leave the car out in direct sunlight until all the water is gone. This can take a few hours, depending on the weather.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- The car has to be dry or else your new coat of paint won’t look very good.
4
Use sandpaper to rub off any rust spots you notice. Pick up some 40 to 60-grit sandpaper from a home improvement store. Rub it back and forth over the rusted spots. You will notice the orange-colored rust begin to flake off. Continue working until it’s gone and all you’re left with is bare metal.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- It’s important to remove rust now so it doesn’t damage your car later.
- A grinder can be used in place of sandpaper if you have one.
Find a clean microfiber cloth and hold it under running water. Avoid soaking the cloth, since introducing too much water to the metal leads to more rust. Use the cloth to remove debris from the spots you sanded.^{[5]
X
Research source}
6
Spray the rusted areas with a rust converter. Next, pick up a can of a rust converter and primer product from a home improvement center or automotive store. It operates like spray paint. Press the plunger on top of the can and move it from side to side over the exposed metal. Create a nice, even coat to protect the metal.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- This product acts as a primer. You can paint over it.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying Primer to the Hood

Download Article

Home improvement stores usually stock sheeting, as do some paint stores and auto parts shops. Cover up any areas near the hood that you don’t want painted. Masking tape is good for covering the edges around the hood. Plastic sheeting is better for covering large areas.^{[7]
X
Research source}
2
Wear a respirator when painting the car. No matter what type of paint you use, the fumes are unpleasant and dangerous to inhale. Moving the car to an open, outdoor location is a good idea, but you should still put on a respirator mask to be safe.
- Safety goggles and gloves are also helpful.
3
Use spray paint for a quicker and cheaper paint job. You have most likely seen spray paint for sale at various stores. Using it is as simple as pointing and spraying. You will need a can of primer and a can of colored paint.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- If you want to add more detail to the hood, also get another color of paint.
You can get paint guns relatively cheaply online or at home improvement stores. A gun gives you more control, helping you create more even paint layers. You will need to get liquid paint and mix it according to the instructions on the label.^{[9]
X
Research source}
5
Spray primer over the hood. Hold the primer canister about 8 to 12 in (20 to 30 cm) above the hood. Start at 1 end and slowly move the can or gun in a straight line towards the other end. Then reverse, overlapping this second stroke with your first one. Continue spraying back and forth to cover the entire hood.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Another way to do this is with a quality liquid primer. Spread it over the hood with a plastic paint spreader.
6
Wait up to 5 minutes after applying a layer. For primer, wait between 2 to 5 minutes before applying more. Each can of primer or paint requires some waiting for the product to settle on the hood. Check the instructions on the can to remind yourself of how long to wait.
- Don’t wait too long, though. The primer should only be allowed to dry after you’re done adding more of it.
Spray on more primer, waiting a few minutes after each layer. Apply it the same way you did the first one. Move in slow, even strokes. The primer should be nice and thick before you paint.
Wait a whole day to ensure that the primer settles. To protect it, cover the car with a drop cloth purchased online or from any stores that sell paint supplies.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Painting the Car

Download Article

1
Apply the main coat of paint. This mid coat is the color you primarily want your car to be. Apply it the same way you did the primer. Start at 1 end of the hood and move across it in an even stroke. If you’re using spray paint, try releasing the plunger when you reach the hood's edges.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Slow, straight lines are the way to get good coloring. Moving too fast means thin, faded streaks that will make you want to hide your car in the garage forever.
Again, read the instructions on the paint can to find out how long to wait between coats. Usually it’s about 10 to 15 minutes. Once that time has elapsed, apply another coat of paint to the hood. It will take you 2 or 3 coats to make the hood look perfect.^{[12]
X
Research source}
Again, you have to wait to finish the paint job. This layer shouldn’t take as long as the primer. You can test it by touching it with a covered finger. If the weather changes or you prefer to wait another day, cover the car with the drop cloth.
4
Paint on different colors as needed. If desired, use additional colors to customize your hood. Cover areas you don’t want to paint with tape and plastic sheeting. Then apply the paint using the same method as above. This is how you paint unique designs. Use your imagination to make your hood stand out!^{[13]
X
Research source}
- You can spray on a layer of clear coat paint to protect the coloring.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How much would it cost to paint just the hood of the car?

Tommy Goldberg
Automotive Expert
Tommy Goldberg is an Automotive Expert and the Director of Product Development at Obsessed Garage based in Lady Lake, Florida. Tommy has been part of the Obsessed Garage team since 2020 and is responsible for the team's product development and testing strategies. He is an expert in car detailing, pressure washers, and proper techniques to maintain cars. Tommy has a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Tommy Goldberg

Automotive Expert

Expert Answer

A decent paint job would cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500. Depending on what sort of deal you could get from the shop.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
Question

Can I use a pressure washer to clean the engine bay?

Tommy Goldberg
Automotive Expert
Tommy Goldberg is an Automotive Expert and the Director of Product Development at Obsessed Garage based in Lady Lake, Florida. Tommy has been part of the Obsessed Garage team since 2020 and is responsible for the team's product development and testing strategies. He is an expert in car detailing, pressure washers, and proper techniques to maintain cars. Tommy has a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Tommy Goldberg

Automotive Expert

Expert Answer

Definitely! With modern cars, especially nowadays, there's not really any worry about getting water in the engine bay at all. With older cars, you definitely need to take precautions if you're going to be using a pressure washer. You don't want water getting into carburetors or air filters, but modern cars are designed in such a way that it doesn't really matter. You just want to make sure you're not directing the pressure washer stream into sensitive areas like the fuse box or battery area. As long as you stand back and aren't using a zero-degree nozzle (I recommend a 40-degree nozzle for the engine bay), you can definitely clean the engine bay with a pressure washer. Again, you want to be careful of the sensitive areas.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Spray paint is easy to apply, but for a more professional paint job, use liquid paint with a paint gun.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Work slowly and with controlled strokes to layer on the paint evenly.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
You typically need to add several coats of primer and paint to make the coatings look even. Give each layer adequate time to dry.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0