OK here it is finished (nearly just some more polishing) and even I am amazed. The colour match is great and the finish is not too shabby if I do say so myself, the depth is not quite as good as the cars paint but I am hoping on the side wing that wont be too much of an issue.
So this was rubbed down & prepped, primed with filler primer about 8 coats, flatted back, cleaned, top coat 5 coats, then 5 coats of clear, I was advised to get the clear on with about 30 mins of the last top coat to ensure a chemical bond?? I did it that way as I didn't know any different (have no idea if the number of coats is correct, I guessed and went with what looked OK) then the clear was flatted back with P2500 wet n dry gently until any of the fine orange peel effect had been smoothed out. Then a very fine cutting compound then polished. I haven't as yet but will get the DA on it. I think its good enough to go on the ///M. BUT to be honest, personally this is about as big a piece of body work I would want to tackle with limited talent and a few rattle cans anything bigger I would definitely leave to the professionals.
Some basic advice from a total novice:
1. Get your rattle can mixed by a trade supplier I wouldn't use any of the shelf cans
2. Get a good quality primer from the same supplier.
3. Preparation is everything, take the extra time getting a good working surface
4. Keep every thing clean, dust is your enemy
5. Don't rush any of the stages
6. Don't be scared of it, the worst that can happen is you will cock it up and have to start again!
SO all you other "Have a go Harrys" Have a go! if I can get a reasonable finish so can you
Some pics (you may think the match is off from the pics but its the light catching the different angles/curves of the panels, looks bob on in the flesh)
View attachment 52998 View attachment 52994 View attachment 52995 View attachment 52996 View attachment 52997 View attachment 52994 View attachment 52995 View attachment 52996 View attachment 52997