rattle can spray

[Dan_GTi8v]

First off sorry this isn't specifically a VW question, but its going on a VW so thats my justification 

I'm going to be rattle can spraying my mk3 sometime soon the paint I have is a holts acrylic based satin black. My question is as its a black satin finish going onto an already black car what kind of preparation would be needed as I've read about people doing a satin or matt finish just spray over the original paint without primer. It does say on the can it can be sprayed over any other paint without primer but not sure how much I trust that.

I was thinking sand back to get the lacquer off then primer then paint, but if primer isn't needed so much then I'll skip that step, what do people think? Cheers

[Dan_GTi8v]

I'm never gonna get any replies in here ffs! 

[clipperjay]

If its not prept properly how do you expect it to last? FFS! 
Most people will key off the laqure or sand off rust, then primer it so its a good base then spray it on.
What about the old paint reacting with the new paint? It might look like orange peel after if you don't prep it right, do some reading/research
 TBF don't expect much from a rattle can if you are doing massive body pannels fella   

[Dan_GTi8v]

Thanks I was guessing most replies would be like this, I've done a lot of rattle can jobs in the past just bits and pieces like bumpers etc but I've only ever used metallic colours and lacquered afterwards I've never used a flat colour before. I guess its the same process then

I'm not expecting a professional finish it will probably be patchy as f**k  but what more can I expect from a £50 respray and it can be good practice 

[clipperjay]

Well if you know its gonna be patchy then all is good mate!
what most people forget is to wet and dry the primer alot of shiot is picked up when the primer drys and its never flat!

I dont mind smallish bits and bobs but anything body pannel wise better left to pros.
You could take the front bonnet off and make a DIY paint booth with halogen heaters just need large clear dust sheets and a decent hang light. But I would recomend a Asperator mask if you are going to be enclosed!

[Gavv8]

I've done doors and wings with rattle cans in the past and got decent results but things like the roof/bonnet etc are just too big to get a decent finish but if your going to have a go choose a nice warm day and build up coats lightly, don't try to get a lot of paint on too quickly and rub each coat down before putting the next on.
It is possible to get a reasonable look with cans but you'll never get it as good as a proper spray booth job, have you considered asking a bodyshop to do a 'blow over' paint job just to tidy it up, you do all the prep and remove all the trim (not lights) and mask everything up then take it to them and get them to put a couple of fast coats just to tidy it up.