The hood and front fascia of the black z definately need repainting however I'm considering just repainting the whole damn car. I've read that soldid non metallic colors such as black may actually look better without a clear coat. To me this makes sense since scratches in the clear always show up white and thus stand out against the black paint. Also, would the paint be just as durable with a thick coat of paint w/o the clear coat as it would be with the clear? Any price difference?

I need recomendations on this please, also what brand/type of paint should I have put on?

 

A single stage paint job (no clear coat) will be less expensive.

It will also be less durable, lack the depth and gloss of a clear coat job and be more difficult and expensive should you ever need to repair it.

Less durable because the clearcoat is designed to protect the finish with ultra violet light inhibitors, as well as chemical and abrasion resistance to name a few.

Lack the depth because it will not have it. You've seen show cars, right? Many of the fantastic ones have more than three layers of clear that give them that deep, wet look.

Lack gloss (over time) because of the vulnerability of the color coat to it's environment. It will oxidize and fade. Every time you wax it you will be removing a little bit of it, unless you use a Zaino or other non abrasive polymer from the start. You will be waxing more to keep that shine on a single stage job. Catch 22.

More expensive to repair because paint repairs to a single stage job require much more skill and invisible repairs are very difficult for average paint tech's to achieve. Many will look good at first, but over time the repair will most likely become visible.

DuPont and PPG have good quality products at a reasonable price that should fit your needs and budget.


Jeff

 

I'm not talking about a cheap one stage enamel paint job from macco, I'm talking about an expensive show car job from a reputable shop. How about a lacquer job? I'm just looking for the best looking most durable paint job available - if that's a base/clear setup then ok, I just thought some one might have info on a viable alternative.

------------------
~Will
96 Z28
"fastanuff!"

 

b/c is the way to go hands down

 

Base/clear will give you the look you want for MUCH less than a laquer or other single stage job.

Laquer jobs require a lot of "rubbing out" to achieve that "show car" look. Labor equals $$$. Laquer "show" jobs are usually clear coated after rubbing out the color. The clear will need rubbed out, too.

Single stage enamel or other types also require more elbow grease, and won't have the depth.

Either requires a lot more maintenance.

You can get a show quality, mirror smooth finish with base/clear. Here's how:

A) 3 coats maximum of color, unless you are using something that doesn't hide well and requires more coats like some yellows, greens and reds.

B) Apply 3-5 coats of clear (depends on painter, product, and desired depth). Let cure per specs. Wet sand the car with 1200-1500 sand paper.

C) Apply 1 more full coat of clear. This will give a mirror smooth finish with exceptional DOI (Depth Of Image). When done correctly, nothing but detail sanding or buffing should be needed (for dirt or other small flaws).

NOTES:

People who brag about "6 coats of color and 6 coats of clear" just wasted a lot of color ($$) for absolutely no reason. I see this frequently, usually done by painters who are using old techniques with new technology, or who do not know how to apply the product.

The Base/Clear paint system will give show car results easier than any other system when applied by a trained tech.

If the color is a real basecoat DO NOT WET SAND THE COLOR COAT! Properly applied basecoat does not require sanding. Again, this is usually done by inexperienced or "old tech" painters.

Want show quality? Find a trained paint tech. Ask questions, look at their previous work, get recommendations. Don't skimp on product. Use all the products within the same paint system (primer, base, clear, etc.)
The high end PPG and DuPont systems will easily meet your needs. You do not have to resort to exotic brands. However, your trained painter will know best, so listen to them. He/she may have experience with another brand that will enable them to meet your goals more cost effectively.

Good luck!

Jeff

[This message has been edited by 97BlackT\A (edited June 19, 2002).]