Paint Question

[JLFonseca]

So here we are, in 2024. What are people using for paint these days? (for body topcoat) Seems the technology changes every few years, and I haven't painted a car in about 20 years.

[h20hamelan]

reface for any open fibres, or similar 2 part. make sure your in climate controlled less than 30% humidity for a few days or cook the booth the day before

eastwood paint?

most others are water based in n America & you need a water gun or...?

[prezoom]

Just finished this morning putting some base coat/clear coat on my 65 Ranchero. IMHO, I would never put that shiny paint on any old Lotus. Just doesn't look right. I have used 2 part on both the Elan and the Plus2, which looks appropriate on those cars. Spraying clear coat is one of my least favorite things to do in a home shop environment, because the over spray goes everywhere. What I did today was spraying some small areas, and was able to semi control the over spray. Tomorrow, it is spraying bed liner.

[prezoom]

Just finished this morning putting some base coat/clear coat on my 65 Ranchero. IMHO, I would never put that shiny paint on any old Lotus. Just doesn't look right. I have used 2 part on both the Elan and the Plus2, which looks appropriate on those cars. Spraying clear coat is one of my least favorite things to do in a home shop environment, because the over spray goes everywhere. What I did today was spraying some small areas, and was able to semi control the over spray. Tomorrow, it is spraying bed liner.

[Andy8421]

FWIW, don't just choose a topcoat, choose a system from a single supplier. Try to get sealer, primer, undercoat, topcoat, clear lacquer (or whatever combination you choose) from the same supplier in a compatible range. There is much less chance of some reaction between layers causing problems with the final finish.

2-pack paint is widely used, but use isocyanates and have serious health issues and needs proper PPE to be worn and ideally an air fed mask. While you might get away with it, none of us on here are getting any younger and don't need respiratory problems from paint spraying.

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/default.html

[cabc26b]

+1 to what prezoom said - single stage is more in keeping with an older car . That said , when I was painting old fiberglass cars I had good results with PPG concept as a topcoat with PPG primers underneath.

[prezoom]

Exactly the products I use.

[JLFonseca]

Back when I was painting cars, I liked PPG Deltron, and Concept. I wasn't aware that PPG was still making single stage Deltron or Concept, or maybe they dont sell it in California?

JLFonseca

[StressCraxx]

I would check with your paint supplier. Kalifornia has mandated low VOC paints for a long time. It has forced most manufacturers to transition to water based paints.

An alternative (and lower cost) is Eastwood. Very broad selection of colors. Quality of the finish is very good.

https://www.eastwood.com/paints/automot ... ishes.html

[prezoom]

Paints like Concept are still available in Kalifornia. While base coat/clearcoat are mandated for new vehicles and body repairs, the older paints, including lacquer, are permitted for older/vintage/historic cars. You just have to find an automotive paint shop that supplies that trade. Where I am, there are quite a few restoration/hotrod shops and both major paint suppliers in the area are able to fill ones needs. In the San Diego area, Meza and TriCity are the go to shops. You just have to explain the type of vehicle you are planning on painting.