The paint I use, depends on the condition of the bed. If its a so so bed (not great condition) I either use Rustolem Gloss Black or ??? its about $35 a gal and you dont need any hardener. It really works good for the price.
The cab and real good beds, I use the 2 part paint from Napa. I dont remember the name, but its their bottom line two part paint. I think all the stuff cost about $275. Another place has Eason paint, its a two part paint, it comes in a kit (paint, reducer, hardeder) yes thats 3 part, for some reason Ive always called it two part paint. I think the Eason kit is about $225. Its good paint also.
I would practice on the beds, one important thing is make sure its clean, remove any rust and coat it with primer. I remommend getting a good paint gun, I have been using the same Binks 67 gun for 25 years. I just bought a new Binks gun, I have tried the cheap $30 guns, you get what you pay for.
After you feel good with painting beds, jump out there and do a cab. The thing on the cab is weather, I paint all my stuff outside, so I have to pick the weather. Dont paint in the PM, the night moisture will cause the paint to lose its shine. Prepare the truck, the day before and cover it with plastic. Wipe the cab with a auto paint degreaser, lint free rag. Get the paint salesman, to show you how to mix the paint, its easy once to understand the ratio. On big jobs, just mix the paint a gun full at a time, in case you put too much hardener in one batch, you havent lost all the paint.
OK thats enough, my finger is sore from typing LOL
Last thing, you need a good air compressor, I painted for years with a air compressor from Sears ($150) you just had to watch what you were doing and wait for it to pump up. I am not a professional painter, but I getter done.
Nothing to it, give it a try, when it warms up, unless you have a shop, you need around 60 degrees at least
Good Luck
