body shops willing to paint rockets in Springfield, VA area?

[Dave S.]

I was looking for auto body shops that would be willing to prime and paint rockets in the Springfield VA (Alexandria) area.

If you know of one, please let me know. I don't have much time on my hands and thought an auto body shop would be able to do a fantastic job spraying primer, paint, and clear on rockets.

I have asked at two places so far and was surprised that they weren't interested at all. They said they only painted cars, no special hobby jobs, etc.

If you know where to ask that would be great! I am in the Springfield area of Alexandria, VA, but anything reasonably close would be perfect.

I don't have a rocket to get painted right now, I am just looking for someone who says they are willing to do the work.


Thanks!

 

[John Kemker]

To be honest, both times I've had rockets painted at body shops, it was because I'd developed a relationship with the owner in one way or the other. The first time was for my original Level 3 project and the body shop owner was a fellow ham radio operator in the same club I belonged to. Talked to him on the repeater almost every day, so when I asked, it wasn't some rando asking him, it was someone he knew. He charged me about $200 for the paint job.

Second time was my upscale Estes Alpha just recently, and the body shop owner had done LOTS of work on my truck and I had done some IT work for him to help him with his computer. That one, he didn't charge me at all to paint the rocket, as I told him I wasn't in a hurry and he could paint each color when he was using the same color for another job.

 

[Art Upton]

I was lucky , I turned out a friend of mine new how to spray and did a couple rockets for me. I still have them.

The OP might put the question out on Facebook market place , nextdoor app etc.

Many fabricators can likely also spray.

 

[tomsteve]

I have asked at two places so far and was surprised that they weren't interested at all. They said they only painted cars, no special hobby jobs, etc.

it isn't that surprising to me. painting cylinders isn't something too many auto paint shops are familiar with plus quite a few factors they have to consider to make $$$.
you might find a hobbiest willing to take it on,though.

 

[Hobie1dog]

Take along a 3-4 ft rocket or a picture of you sanding or holding one so they can see exactly what you're talking about. Hit every body shop out there, as the smaller shops may like to have something as a filler job for the painter.

 

[Dave S.]

Take along a 3-4 ft rocket or a picture of you sanding or holding one so they can see exactly what you're talking about.

That is just what I did. Sounds like I need to keep asking around.

Thanks for all the replies.