to paint or not to paint, that is the question Options

[ben1440]

So this isnt exaclt the next thing on my to do list but i am thinking ahead here. I am planning on getting a bigger compressor and some spray guns to lay the primer down with. initially i was planning on doing all the body work, laying the primer and then taking it somewhere to be painted. with some recent motivation i want to paint it myself. I am pretty experienced with finish work with laquer (high grit wet sanding and then buffing) but i know that isnt exactly the same thing. so the question is do i attempt to paint it myself in my garage or is there any reason this would be heavily discouraged. THANKS

[tnorthern]

Ok just to toss my .02 into the works I would say if you can spray well and are smart about cleaning your space before hand by all means do it. I worked at a paint shop for two years when I was in high school and there is a lot of misconception about what makes a good paint job and a maaco one.
First of all get the very best materials you can, that makes the most difference in final over all finish, after all you can wet sand and buff to your hearts content but bad paint still looks like ass.
Second beg, borrow, or steal the best spray gun you can or find a painter and buy him a 12 pack and get him to help you out, we did a lot of "come in sunday with a case and we'll see what we can do" jobs.
Third either get your garage or booth as it were spotless before hand, dust is your number one ememy once you get good paint and a good spray gun. I like to use painters plastic to fashion a booth right in my garage, it's amazing what you can do with some plastic and 2X4's in a short ammount of time.
Lastly go for it! After all if you do the hood and it looks like junk you can just stop there and turn it over to a pro, most shops will use the materials you provide if you end up going that route later.