How to Paint an Avalanche
- 1). Remove all the trim and lower body cladding from the vehicle using the Chevrolet trim-removal tool. These tools are available from professional tool suppliers only. Avoid using screwdrivers as these will damage the vehicle's surface. When the trim is removed, use the screwdrivers and socket set to remove the bumpers, grill, headlights and taillights, running boards, tonneau cover, side mirrors, fender flares and the bed trim.
- 2). Clean the truck using plain soap and water, then allow it to dry completely while you check for spots on the truck that might need repair prior to paint. These will appear as waves or spots in the original surface of the truck. Use spot putty to fill these areas, then sand down imperfections and smooth out the surface of the spot putty using 400-grit sandpaper on a sanding block.
- 3). Wipe the surface of the truck using wax and grease remover applied to a clean rag. This will remove any traces of oil or tar that still remain on the vehicle.
- 4). Prepare the surface of the truck by scouring the surface of the paint with a red or gray automotive scratch pad. This is necessary to help the new paint coat adhere to the old paint. Ideally, this process removes all the original gloss from the Avalanche's original paint. Any areas in which gloss remains, the new paint will have the ability to peel off of the surface. When complete, wipe the truck down again with the wax and grease remover.
- 5). Move the truck into a paint booth and mask off the areas that are not to be painted. This includes the tires and wheels, windows, truck bed and the engine. Prop open the hood of the truck as well as the doors and tailgate. Mask areas not to be painted using masking tape or paper.
- 6). Load the spray gun with the desired color of paint and begin spraying the Avalanche starting from the front of the truck. Begin by painting the underside of the hood. This is called "cutting in." When the hood has been cut in, close the hood so that it rests lightly on the hood spring, but is not closed completely. You will not apply clear coat to the underside of the hood. Paint the hood's surface, then the cab roof, then work in a counterclockwise manner around the outside of the truck, overlapping your spray passes by 1/2 each time you pass. Paint only one panel at a time before moving on to the next. This will allow you to prevent the paint from drying too quickly.
- 7). Allow the paint to dry for the designated drying time, which can be found on the paint package or the material information form before applying the clear top coat. To apply the top coat, use the same process with which you applied paint to the truck, being careful to avoid runs or sags in the clear top coat. When complete, set the heat settings on the paint booth to dry the top coat. This may take between 30 minutes and an hour.
- 8). Remove the truck from the paint booth, then sand the clear top coat with wet/dry sandpaper and buff using an orbital buffer with polishing compound. After cleaning the remaining polishing compound, reassemble the truck to complete the painting operation.
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