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We're buying a schoolbus to use to move across country. We need to paint it, but can't afford a pro job...or even pro paint.
I've seen it suggested here to use Rustoleum gloss oil based paint, after sanding and priming. Can we sand by hand? What grit paper? What inexpensive primer can we use? Can the primer be applied with a short nap roller or a foam brush? One coat of primer or more?
I saw several people had suggested it's possible to use a brush with this type of paint? Again, can a short nap roller be used? If not for the final coat, for the undercoats? How many gallons will I need for a conventional 66 passenger? Will I need any kind of top coat/ sealer?
We're not too picky, it doesn't need to look like a race car, just not too junky. Just decent looking from a short distance. Thanks!
We painted our bus last month using 3 gallons of rustoleum and a airless sprayer. you can see pictures here. www.mzimports.com/bus We are very happy how it turned out.
In painting a vehicle, most the money is in the preparation work. If you skip the prep, any paint will work as good as another. you should at least scuff the surface with 3m red scuff pads. Take the shine off, along with lose paint and rust. Primer only the bare metal and rusted areas. I would use a brush and start on the roof to get used to the way the paint handles (and runs).
It may take 2 or 3 gallons, maybe more. Get a paint that covers in one coat with out runs or sags. tell the salesman what you are painting and he can help you with your decision. Remember, you are not painting metal! You are actually painting over paint so don't think you need a paint specially for metal.
I am a professional refinisher of heavy trucks and busses. I don't use a brush myself but of all the amateur paint jobs that I’ve seen, the brushed ones look the best. Roger
The problem with an amature spray job is atmosphere. I didn't have a building to put the bus into and the chance of finding a perfect day to spray outdoors was very small. I used a foam brush (several) and rustoleum gloss paint. Sanded the existing paint to 'de-gloss' it and primed any bare metal. Came out fine. Supposed to be a bus get together Sept 5 - 7 in Little Falls, MN. I'll be there Friday. You can look at it.
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