When doing bodywork or painting a car, an investment in the right tools and materials always pays off.

Here is a list of the supplies and accessories every paint shop — or car repair hobbyist — should have on hand.

Air compressor

An air compressor powers your spray gun and other air-based tools. Invest in one or more quality air compressors with at least a 60-gallon tank capacity.

Lighting

Painting and bodywork require good lighting. You must see imperfections on the surface as you do bodywork and paint vehicles. Choose lighting approved for use around chemical fumes from solvents, paint, and other dangerous substances.  Position your lights so that they illuminate your work surfaces evenly.

Brushes

Using the right brushes is critical, especially if you’re doing pinstriping. Having a variety of detailing brushes on hand will make the work easier.

Dual-action sander and sanding materials

Stock plenty of heavy-duty sandpaper, sanding blocks, and wire brushes for rust removal. A dual-action sander will save you time when reshaping body filler.

Body filler

Every body shop should stock body filler to fix dents, dings, and rusted areas on vehicles.

Sealers and primers

Sealers and primers prevent rust and make completing paint jobs easier. Select the right products for your painting job. The experts at Gleam Auto Finish can help you out.

Spray gun

Invest in a quality spray gun, preferably an HVLP (high-volume, low pressure) one. Your paint finish can only be as good as the tools you use, and this is one of the most important ones.

Tape and masking paper

Use masking tape and paper to protect areas of the vehicle that you don’t want to paint. Invest in top-quality protective materials that prevent paint from seeping onto chrome, trim, bumpers, and lights. It will make your work look more polished and professional.

Protective gear

Protect yourself from fumes and chemicals from thinners, solvents, paints, and air particles from sanding. Use face masks, protective gloves, and goggles as you work. Painting vehicles can harm your long-term health and well-being. You owe it to yourself to take steps to prevent harm to your nasal passages, lungs, and skin.

Mixing cups and buckets

Professional mixing cups and buckets take the guesswork out of measuring the correct portions of paint, reducers, thinners, and hardeners.

Having the right tools and materials in your paint shop will make refinishing autos easier and result in a professional finish.