Preping my car for paint w/Pictures. Could use some painters advice =)

[fwuffy squirrel]

So this sounds stupid but I have a $300 budget. That's it. I need to paint my front bumper and sideskirts (Fiberglass), fenders and headlight covers (Metal).
Here is what I'm working with:







Long story short: My friend was going to do the whole thing himself and teach me but he bailed and I have no idea what he did besides some filler. All I know is that I sanded some of the paint off the fenders, and fit everything together haha.


So now I have this and I haven't the first clue about painting. But after many many hours of videos and reading this thread through a few times
http://zilvia.net/f/tech-talk/199733...asy-steps.html
I think I have a general idea.



All of my sanding will be by hand with a sanding block.
So far my plan consists of:

1. Take some 180 grit and sand down the rest of the headlight covers, all of the sideskirts, and the front bumper. Then again with 320, then finally with 600.

2. Buy this stuff:


Because I can't afford this stuff:



nor do I have the money for a gun =/

and just spray 3-4 coats of it on all the white stuff to turn it whatever color the primer is. Then use a different color primer lightly as a guide to know when to stop wet sanding.

3. Get some warm soapy water and use 400 grit sandpaper on the primer until it looks smooth. Then after that hit it again with some 800.


4. Drive it down to
Car Painting | Earl Scheib - Paint Services
and get a probably silver, but hopefully platinum crap paint job.



Extra stuff:

What is a sealer and why do I need it?

Can anybody chime in on the steps I might be missing or have better advice than what I put up there?

Do I really the platinum service or can I paint can clear coat it when I get home?

Do you think I will need any filler for this work? and if so, is it as easy as putting some on, scrapping it off, then after drying, sand it smooth?


I greatly appreciate any help or comments