I have an older Acura with a wretched paint condition, clear is gone on hood, roof and tops of fenders. Basecoat is pretty much gone there too. Body has the usual scratches and a couple of dents typical for its age. Interior is also atrocious.

Mechanically, the car is in great shape. It’s a 2004 TL w/ 250k miles. It’s a joy to drive, just looks awful.

I figure I can redo the interior for about $1500, but repainting is an issue. Everybody wants $3k+. Car isn’t worth $3k. It’s the metallic gray paint code. Selling the car isn’t an option, as it was a gift from family.

I’m contemplating tackling the paint job in my garage. Watching videos, etc. Redoing the whole car seems to drive toward a paint gun rather than rattle cans. I’ve got the compressor, decent random orbital sander and am pretty handy. I’d probably rig up a paint booth in my garage for it. Just haven’t taken something like this on before.

I’m guessing it’ll need some filler on the pass rear quarter where a garage shelf fell on it, but otherwise just the usual sand-prime-seal-paint. I’m not looking for like new, showcar, just something that isn’t totally embarrassing. I’d gladly pay someone $1500 for the work, figure I might could get it done for < $500 in materials.

What’s the forums’ opinion on tackling this kind of a job? Take a week off work and knock it out? Realistic cost? Don’t bother? Rattle cans are just fine? “So-and-so in N Bama will do if for ya’”?

I’m in Huntsville, but the car could be driven anywhere. Part of me wants to tackle it, just to learn how. But I also don’t want to get 30+ hours into it and way over my head.

Thoughts, experiences and advice please, folks!