Paint quality

Tycar · Feb 2nd, 2006, 03:41 AM

i'm looking to finally finish up my sentra that I flipped. I've been doing some so-so bondo work myself but dont have the time to do the hardcore detailed sanding it takes to keep the body smooth as hell. anyways, i'm looking to go to a cheap body shop in so cal or mexico and getting JUST the bondo done nice and smooth for me. being that I own a house painting company, i am planning on doing the paint myself. its already black I just want to re-do the black again, but I want to make it litterally mirror gloss. I know alot about house paint tech and such, but I wanted to know a little about auto paint tech. since car is black I want to do a good 2 coats of primer, then 2-3 coats of paint, then as many coats of clear as I can. I wanted anyones opinion on the BEST brand of black paint to bring the most shine out, and the best clear coat to put on top and also if anyone had any ideas about how many coats of each would be the max? also if there is any mandatory buffing or polishing that needs to be done. help is appreciated

Z_Spool · Feb 2nd, 2006, 11:10 AM

Dude there's a hell of a lot more involved with cars than there is painting houses. If you really want to paint it yourself, I suggest first you first get some reading material and study up... If you're looking for a "mirror finish," you'll want to rent a booth, because you'll undoubtedly get dirt in the paint anywhere else. Don't look at brands for paint, when looking for a color either... Walk around dealerships. Look at factory colors and decide which one you like, then ask a salesperson what the name of it is. You could then go to any paint store and they could find the formula in the system and should be able to mix you as much as you need. I suggest using PPG because they warranty all of their paint. You'll also want to lay SEVERAL coats (around 7) of clear on it for an immaculate "mirror finish" because you want alot to cut through when you colorsand/polish it. You did plan on colorsanding it didn't you? Otherwise you'll have a funhouse mirror with all the orange peel. I'm not saying you can't do it... I'm just saying I've seen to many people that paint houses for a living try to paint their cars because they feel they have adequate "experience." If you want to get it done professionally I can PM you my shop's web site/addy/ph# We have one of, if not, the best facilities in Orange county and are always willing to take some time out to go over what will be needed in the process with you.

I'm tired of my usernamee · Feb 3rd, 2006, 12:54 AM

best paint? Sikkens. Its the most expensive too.
HOK is good and expensive. (House of Color
Dupont, Sherman Williams, PPG are good looking durable paints that dont cost an arm and a leg.